Snap peas

Last year I tried to grow these but got them in too late and they did not make it. Again this year I tried and so far we got some success along with some learning opportunities. While we have some peas growing it seems like something effected few leaves. Snap peas need support to grow, I foudn after they grew a certain height  the support was only need for the bottom of the plant. As you can see from the picture below I have simple support and the plant is now standing the top half on its own. When planting snap peas mulch is a great tool. It helps keep the plant drained of water that can cause the roots to rot and helps keep the plant cool in the hot sun. I am thinking this is where I went wrong. At times when I could not water the plants I had other people do it and at times it was hot and sunny and I am pretty sure it burnt some leaves. 

Other things to keep in mind when growing snap peas~

~Fertilize before planting but not much, a little will do

~They are a low maintenance plant

~Do not over water and do not water in the hot sun

~They get to be about 3 inches long

~They can be planted in containers

~Plant directly, do not transfer

~Snap peas are meant to be eaten all together, (pod and peas)

~They hold lots of iron and vitamin C

~You get more peas if planted in spring but you can plant for a fall harvest

~Can be eaten raw or cooked

~Best to water in early day to prevent fungal disease

~Pea plants do best in temperatures below 70 and can stand a light frost 

~Rotate pea crops every year or two

Good rule of thumb I found with many plants is the more you pick the more the plant will produce.   

When harvesting snap peas the best way to know if they are ready is trial and error. You want the pods to be swollen but if you want to long they can become tough and not good to eat. Pick one a day till you find what size is good for you. You should eat or freeze peas shortly after picking. To freeze just place them in a freezer bag. If you do pick them to late you can shell them and use the peas inside for soups.