how to grow snap peas in a pot

How to Grow Snap Peas in a Pot – The Complete Guide

Snap peas are a delicious and easy to grow vegetable that can be planted in pots. Growing snap peas in containers is perfect for gardeners with limited space. With just a few simple tips, you can have a bountiful harvest of sweet snap peas right on your patio or balcony

What are Snap Peas?

Snap peas, also known as sugar snap peas, are a hybrid variety of garden peas. They have plump, crisp pods that are edible along with the peas inside. Snap peas combine the best qualities of snow peas (edible pods) and shelling peas (sweet peas). Their flavor is sweet and crunchy with a fresh pea taste.

Unlike snow peas, sugar snap pea pods are plumper and rounded. The pods have a fibrous string running along the seam which needs to be removed before eating. But they are far more tender than regular peas. When harvested early, the whole pod can be eaten raw or cooked.

Popular snap pea varieties include Sugar Ann, Sugar Bon, and Sugar Snap. Cascadia and Sugar Sprint are two dwarf cultivars ideal for container gardening.

Benefits of Growing Snap Peas

• Extremely sweet and crunchy, they make a healthy addition to salads, stir fries, and snacks

• Pods and peas can be eaten raw or cooked making them versatile.

• They are easy to grow and high-yielding. Great for beginner gardeners.

• Can be grown in limited space like patios and balconies in containers.

• Adds nitrogen to the soil through their roots.

• Grows well through spring and early summer.

Tips for Growing Snap Peas Successfully in Containers

Follow these simple tips for a successful container grown snap pea crop:

Choose the Right Container

• Select a container at least 12-24 inches wide and deep. This will allow enough room for root development.

• Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Elevate pots to improve drainage.

• Use large pots like half barrels and bushel baskets on balconies for growing vining varieties.

• For patio railings and hanging baskets, opt for dwarf cultivars in narrow pots.

Use a Support Structure

• Snap peas are vining plants that need support to climb upwards.

• Place trellises or cages in pots when planting. Bamboo and wire supports work well.

• For hanging baskets, ensure the basket has mesh sides or a trellis that tendrils can wrap around.

Use Loose, Nutrient-Rich Soil

• Peas need loose, fertile soil to develop their roots and grow properly.

• Use a quality potting mix enriched with compost or aged manure. This will provide nutrition and hold moisture well.

• Mix in a slow-release vegetable fertilizer at the time of planting for a nutrient boost.

Sow Seeds Correctly

• Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in pots. Place 6-8 seeds in large containers.

• Space dwarf varieties like Cascadia 4-6 inches apart.

• To aid germination, presoak pea seeds for 8-12 hours before planting.

• Plant peas in late winter or spring after the last frost.

Water and Feed Plants

• Water peas regularly to keep soil moist, not drenched. Increase watering in warm weather.

• Feed growing plants with a liquid fertilizer like fish emulsion every 3-4 weeks. This will replenish nutrients.

• Adding mulch on top of the soil will help retain moisture.

Grow in a Sunny Location

• Position containers in a spot receiving at least 6 hours of full sun for best growth.

• Dwarf varieties can tolerate partial shade but produce lower yields.

• Turn pots regularly so plants receive even sunlight on all sides.

Harvesting Snack Peas

• Begin harvesting snap peas once pods fill out but before peas start bulging.

• Pick snap peas when they are plump and pods snap easily when bent.

• Use scissors to cut pods from vines to avoid damaging the plant.

• Pick peas every 2-3 days to encourage more pod production.

With the right care, snap peas are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow in pots. Follow these tips and enjoy months of fresh tasty sugar snap peas. Let us know how your container grown peas turn out!

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Snap Peas in Containers

Here are answers to some common questions about raising snap peas in pots:

How many snap pea plants can I grow per pot?

For large containers 12-24 inches wide, plant 3-5 snap pea plants. For hanging baskets and smaller pots, limit to 2-3 plants. The plants need adequate space to grow.

When is the best time to plant snap peas?

Plant snap pea seeds directly in containers 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. They can tolerate cooler temperatures.

How much sun do snap peas need when grown in pots?

Snap peas need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day when grown in containers. More sun is better to get higher yields.

How often should I water container grown snap peas?

Check soil daily and water containers when the top inch feels dry. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Avoid waterlogged soil.

Should I use fertilizer for container snap peas?

Yes, using a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks will provide nutrients. Slow release pellet fertilizer mixed into the soil at planting also works.

Why are my container snap peas not flowering?

Insufficient sunlight, overwatering, overcrowding, and inadequate nutrients can prevent flowering. Try moving the pot to a sunnier location and fertilizing.

What causes snap pea pods to be stringy?

Allowing snap peas to over-mature on the vines before picking can cause strings and pods to become fibrous. Harvest pods young for optimal texture.

Can I grow snap peas from transplant instead of seeds?

Snap peas do not transplant well since they have a taproot. It’s better to direct sow them. Start seeds indoors 2 weeks before your last frost date.

We hope these container growing tips help you succeed with snap peas on your patio, balcony, or any small space! Let us know if you have any other questions.