How To Grow Peas and What To Expect While They Are Growing

If you are wondering how to grow lots of Sugar Snap Peas like I grew last year, I will show you how I did it, and give you some information on what to expect as your peas grow.
The first thing to know about peas is that they don't like hot weather, so you need to plant them very early. We are in zone 6b, an we plant our peas around the 1st of March, to the middle of March. They grow very fast, and in no time you will be harvesting lots of peas.
The second thing you need to know about peas is that they need something to climb on like a trellis, or in our case, a large tomato cage.
If you grow sugar snap peas let us know about it down in the comments.
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I garden in zone 6b, in the state Kansas. I would love to hear from you, so feel free to comment, make suggestions, ask a question, give tips, tell about your garden, or even offer constructive criticism.
Thanks for watching!

[@hunterdogztc]

I’ve grown Sugar Snap peas for the past ten years. A few lessons I’ve learned, mostly the hard way. 1. I grow them early spring and early fall. (Zone 9). I’ve found that the fall crop is almost always more flavorful. Here in Fresno, I’ve even had them overwinter and produce again in the spring. 2. In the early spring, hungry birds LOVE the tender pea shoots. Ughhh. 3. Keep the foliage dry. Mildew can be a real problem if it gains a foothold. Great video. Appreciate you putting it up.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks! And thanks for sharing your tips for success. Much appreciated!

[@iambilly]

Thank you for sharing, this is great information. I’m in zone 9b in Sacramento CA and planted 24 plants across 3 different Pea varieties in March 2020 in a container. They grew quickly and strong but I didn’t get to harvest very many peas before they started dying out. Now I understand why, the temperature became too warm in the following weeks for them to continue cropping. So, having learned that lesson, I planted a crop of Peas in November 2020 and now in January 2021, all are growing strong and cropping profusely. With average daytime temperatures in the 50s and overnight temperatures in the 40s, I’m confident that I will get plenty of peas this time around. I’m not new to gardening, but this past year I started experimenting with different crops, methods and timings to help me maximize my small balcony garden, your channel along with several others have been instructive and informative in my journey and I appreciate you. Thanks again for sharing. Wishing you and your family a peaceful, positive, healthy, wealthy and prosperous new year.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing how they work in your area. I'm sure other folks will find that information very helpful. Also, thanks for the expression of appreciation! That goes such a long way on those days when I don't feel like editing a video :) I hope you and your family have a wonderful and prosperous new year too!

[@cet765]

I planted my very first sugar snap peas this year. I only planted about 3 or 4 since it was my first time. I planted too late, but I still was able to harvest a few. It was enough to know that I want to plant a lot more next year! Just stumbled upon your channel today. Thank you for the info!

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed growing them. Now you will be ready to go next year.

[@yeshuathechrist5213]

Your voice is gold soothing for gardening

[@MidwestGardener]

Thank you!

[@zacharysimon2952]

Sugar snap peas are my toddler’s favorite garden veggie to eat. Any time we’re outside, he beelines straight for the trellis and picks the plants bare!

[@MidwestGardener]

Lol, that's awesome :) It's neat that he actually knows where food comes from at such a young age. He's ahead of the game!

[@carriesteptoe]

Your voice is so soothing, I love your videos.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thank you very much!

[@shirleyk623]

Good morning Jim. Thanks for the great video. I grew peas last year on tomato cages. That was not enough support. I had to add more. They were very sparse in producing peas until after a nice rain. Then there was blooms everywhere. It didn't take me very long to figure out the lesson nature was teaching me. More water more peas. Have a great weekend! It's out to the garden for me shortly.🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@MidwestGardener]

Yep, they do produce some pretty healthy vines sometimes. Nature teaches me lessons like that all the time. Sometimes she slaps me in the face if I don't listen closely enough :) You have a great weekend too!

[@RiazUddin-sk3uw]

When I watch your videos, I get so pumped about gardening! Thanks for the tips and tricks. Happy New Year.

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! Happy New Year to you too. It won't be long and it will be time to get the garden going again.

[@davidpruitt3982]

I have grown peas for the last 2 years,we like them in salads and just eating raw. Thanks for the video Jim and have a great weekend. 👍🏻

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks David! Yep, we love them in salads too. I think that is how we eat most of them....or just by themselves as a snack. You have a great weekend too!

[@Zizzyyzz]

Great video. Subbed!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thank you! I appreciate the support!

[@grannyflowers2637]

I can't wait for spring! The seed catalogs are already coming in and I want to fast forward to March!

[@MidwestGardener]

I'm with you on that! It will be here before you know it.

[@UT33200]

Peas might be in the conversation for top yard snacking plants and those are a really good variety. Good info and grow. Thanks for the share!

[@MidwestGardener]

True. Sometimes it's hard to make it back to the house with them 😄

[@HemiVic66]

Happy New Year. Good video, I plan on growing little marvel and sugar gray. Thought I was going to be able to edumacate myself more since moving on my property in August. Lol, I forgot I needed time for that. Cabin is finally in the dry, chickens over 4 months old now. Rooster is crowing now. I thought I was going to have to recalibrate him because at first he was crowing at dusk instead of dawn. Spoiled isn't the word for them. They enjoy sitting on my limbs, shoulders, and head when I'm in the run. I was also able to get 50 garlic plants in last fall. Keep the videos coming and hopefully I'll be able to watch them all eventually.

[@MidwestGardener]

Lol, I'm just edumacated enough to know what edumacated means :) Sounds like you have the chickens well on their way. I'll keep making the videos unless something stops me from it. Hope that doesn't happen any time soon. Enjoy that property and cabin!

[@BirdieandtheBee]

I subscribed because of you voice alone. 😍 Oh, and you're very informative. I know what height trellis I need. Thank you.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for subscribing! I really appreciate it!

[@gaminggodxxlx5991]

I dont grow peas that much but when I do grow them I love to smell the flowers. I love the smell of the pea flowers!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for the tip. I hate to admit it, but I've never tried to smell one. Now I have to give it a try!

[@gaminggodxxlx5991]

Some have the sweetest smell like sweetpeas

[@MidwestGardener]

@@gaminggodxxlx5991 Nice!

[@heather_be_thy_name8572]

Wow this was some accidental ASMR and I'm not mad about it 👌♥️

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for watching! I have heard that a few times :)

[@davannhuynh4279]

Not sure if you know just how calm your voice is, thank you for the wonderful video! I can't wait for Spring to get here.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Davann! I have heard from a few people who think my voice is calming. I'm with you on looking forward to Spring getting here! It won't be long.

[@michaelbrennan7148]

Happy New Year. Thanks for the helpful information. I enjoyed the video. All the best to you in 2021. Have a good day.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Michael! Happy New Year to you too. I hope we both have a great 2021. It can't be much worse than 2020 :)

[@doowopshopgal]

Oh you explained everything so simple and to the point I am so happy that I found your channel I started my sugar snap peas indoors I live in zone 98 we’re getting temperatures in the 30s today but I am keeping my peas indoors until the first week of February just in case we get another frost

[@MidwestGardener]

Thank you very much for the kind words! I'm glad you found my channel too :) Good luck with those peas!

[@doowopshopgal]

@@MidwestGardener I meant I live in zone 9A Florida

[@MidwestGardener]

@@doowopshopgal Enjoy that warmer weather!

[@mi9torrerito]

I had success growing them last season. Therefore I will be incorporating the golden variety this year too. Thank you for sharing.

[@MidwestGardener]

I'm glad to hear it! I hope the new variety does just as well for you!

[@RuffCut]

Thanks Jim...I have had success when I plant early enough

[@MidwestGardener]

Hey Duke. Yep, I think that is the key.

[@lyndabennett1396]

Thanks for the concise and helpful video!

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome, Lynda! Glad it was helpful!

[@Lovingoddess28]

Good info but this man’s voice is soo soothing omg 😂😁

[@MidwestGardener]

Thank you!

[@SashaDeKasha]

Great tutorial. Thank you Jim!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Sasha! It won't be all that long and we can plant some of these again.

[@jennifersauer3257]

Good morning, Jim! I love sugar snap peas! It was one of our really successful crops in 2020. This year I plan to plant a few more than usual as we really enjoy the shoots in salads. They are a great 2 crop plant 😊 Happy New Year and happy gardening in 2021.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Jennifer! Yes, it was a pretty good year for them last year. It will be planting time for them before we know it. Happy new Year and happy gardening to you too!

[@jlestonga4559]

Great video! Very informative, direct and to the point without any boring dialogue.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@Philippineshomeandgarden]

I've grown some snap peas but wasn't good. I just have to plant them under our mango tree next time because they do not do well under the hot sun. Congratulations to yours !

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks a bunch! Yes, they are very sensitive to heat.

[@i._.love_.nuggets._4308]

Nice trees

[@MidwestGardener]

Thank you :)

[@i._.love_.nuggets._4308]

@@MidwestGardener np

[@samcarlos1276]

Great little video, done my first pea seeds this year in pots , though should have done a few things differently. Enjoy your Harvest too when it's that time.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Sam! We've been enjoying a snap peas and snow peas. Hope yours do well for you!

[@samcarlos1276]

@@MidwestGardener , snow peas? I'm looking them up straight after this reply. God Bless you Sir and great that you've already got sugar snaps . I'm in the UK so need to be a bit more patient though always worth it.

[@MidwestGardener]

Yes, snow peas. You eat the pods before the peas fully form.

[@cathyf.1234]

I like peas a lot. Tried snow pod peas last year & they produced through to July or August, in our crazy heat. I planted some in the fall but they got off to a slow start and are only now producing blooms. They survived a 26 degree night, and they are even planted in containers. I think they are the hardiest plants I have ever grown.

[@MidwestGardener]

Wow, that's very impressive! I think you better save some seeds from those.

[@canadiankabingurl9782]

Your videos always make me so hopeful for the warmth of Spring that I miss so much. Beautiful healthy plants ☺ 👍 A thing of beauty!!! ❤️ Thanks for sharing ☺

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks a bunch! I think there are a lot of us that are ready for spring. It's going to be here before we know it.

[@canadiankabingurl9782]

@@MidwestGardener That is true, there's 77 days remaining 😂 I start my plants inside end of March and I plant them mid June. Especially the tomatoes, cucumber, and squash varieties ☺ The rest I simply plant from seed.

[@MidwestGardener]

I sure wish we could rush those fresh tomatoes :)

[@mandiwilliamson2171]

So very helpful! Thank you!! ❤

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@BobMelsimpleliving.]

Good morning Jim. I tried them a few years ago and they didn't do well for me. Maybe the heat or variety. Well so many things do well that I'm not going to cry. Have a great 2021. Best wishes Bob.

[@MidwestGardener]

Good morning Bob. Yep, it was probably the heat. You're right though, you do pretty great with a lot of stuff that some of us can't grow. There's no crying in baseball or gardening 😂

[@dreamcatchercreations_]

Wow! Great video! I’m New Brunswick, Canada.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dreamcatchercreations_]

@@MidwestGardener yes… I was looking on KZbin of when to start my peas. I live in a colder climate and our last frost date is approximately June 10th. I know I need to start soon and your video help. Tips and tricks. Again… great job of your video.

[@stegershomeandgarden.6971]

Happy New Year!!!

[@MidwestGardener]

Happy New Year to you too! I hope you have a great one with some awesome harvests!

[@aldinsmore3675]

Can’t wait

[@MidwestGardener]

Me either.

[@rosea830]

Good morning and Happy New Year! Peas do really well in the high tunnel. They don't seem to mind the heat.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Rose! That's good to know. That's some good information for folks who have one.

[@myhillsidegarden3998]

Happy New Year Jim! Great tutorial on these peas. One of my favorite garden vegetable. Be safe and stay well. Catherine

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Catherine! Happy New Year to you too! I hope you have a great gardening year in 2021.

[@keyphabenyisrael3219]

My Zone 6A 2020 garden did well but we tried 3 different varieties of peas (sugar magnolia snap pea, snow pea, and a shelling pea) in spring, and then in fall to no avail. Between critters, early cold snaps, and poor performing plants, we didn't end up with a single pod, although at the end of October we did have lots of blooms that in hindsight needed to be hand pollinated. left with too few seeds for Spring, I decided to try growing them indoors with grow lights to save seeds. So far so good, lots of blooms and pods after 2 months.

[@MidwestGardener]

Interesting. I never would have thought of growing them indoors. Thanks for sharing that with us. Yes, sometimes peas can be a little hit and miss here with our early hot weather some years. Well done!

[@ltlbnsgarden]

I really love the pea shoots, but not the pea lol 😂. They have such pretty flowers 🌸

[@MidwestGardener]

That is something I really need to try. Thanks for reminding me 😀

[@CBsGreenhouseandGarden]

Yes Sir we love our peas! Awesome tips and information Mr. Jim. Happy New Year! Hope 2021 will be amazing for you! Stay safe and have a great week!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks CB! Happy New Year to you too! I think 2021 is going to be a good one. You have a great week too!

[@ticcitoby7537]

Thank you for the video ❤

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@rayjones4963]

Was wondering when to start my sugar snaps this year.. first year doing them. We are down in 6B also here in Ohio. Thank you.

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome. I start as early as possible without losing them to a freeze. It might be slightly different timing from year to year.

[@lljl5310]

Thank you very informative.

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@PetalsonthePavingSlabs]

Happy new year Jim, I hope you have a great 2021!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Stew! Happy New Year to you too. I hope we both have a great 2021....ore at least better than 2020 :)

[@GardensGuitars]

Lovely video! I continuously sow peas from October through February. I used to really enjoying eating the immature sugar snap pods raw out in the garden. I have a mild allergy to them now, so I have to wait until the pods fill out, shell them, and cook them now to enjoy them. They yields are often a bit disappointing for me now that I shell them all, but the taste is so much better than from the store. I kinda treat them like a cover crop at this point, buy seed in bulk, and plant them in raised beds prior to planting heavy-feeding crops. There's a variety called 'Wando' that is exceptionally heat tolerant. Next winter, I want to try some of the Austrian winter varieties that are reported to tolerate temperatures in the teens. I had damage on my sweet pea varieties in early January when we got down to the mid 20s. I hear that it is getting really popular for people to eat small pea plants and tendrils as baby salad greens, I haven't tried that yet, but I know a farmer who exclusively grows peas for microgreens and is making a killing financially, selling them for like $14/pound at farmers markets. Anyway, great video and reminds me that I need to get off of this screen and go outside and plant some peas! Take care!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks a bunch! That would be great to be able to keep them growing that long. I might have to check into Wando. I hadn't heard of that one, so thanks for the tip! Yes, microgreens are becoming pretty popular. I just haven't gotten into growing them or eating them yet. It won't be too much longer and I can join you in planting some peas.

[@jeffreypinder9398]

Great video

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@plantsdocumentary]

Good information 👍

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks!

[@maitrancooking3879]

Very good 😍

[@MidwestGardener]

Thank you!

[@lar113]

Thank you for the video. I also tried growing them a few years ago. I think I started them too late for a good crop. It is on my 2021 To-Do list to start my garden earlier for the cool weather crops. Have you tried growing peas in the fall for a second harvest? I have tried growing lettuce and beets in the fall, lettuce did Ok, beets were a failure. Zone 4b here.

[@MidwestGardener]

I haven't tried growing them in the fall, but that would be something worth trying. Lettuce can be a great fall crop. We planted some that is still alive....so far. We got about 4 or 5 inches of snow yesterday. I'm ready for spring :)

[@cheesekake1841]

Thanks for this video. I'm a beginner in zone 7a. I guess it's too late now for me to grow sugar snap peas and I should wait till October or so? Thanks again.

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! I've never tried fall peas, so I'm not really sure what the best time for your zone would be. I'm glad you decided to try growing some of your food. I think lots more folks should. Good luck with your gardening journey!

[@jodiesiegel7606]

All my flowers are at the way top of my plants (beyond the tomato cage). Is there a way to force lower blooms?

[@MidwestGardener]

That's a touch one, Jodie. Almost sounds like the plants didn't have enough sunshine, but that is just a guess on my part. You can promote side growth by pinching off the tops of the plants, but sounds like that would pinch off what blooms you have.

[@wagroforestry33]

Do you know what the soil temperature has to be for the peas to germinate?

[@MidwestGardener]

I really don't know the exact temperature that is optimal. I try to shoot for about 5 or 6 weeks before our last freeze date. Sometimes a little bit more than that.

[@ellena858]

I would love to grow sugar snap peas but it may be to warm here in 10a/9b. Today is Nov 6 and the temp is supposed to go up to 88F. Ugh

[@MidwestGardener]

Yep, that's pretty toasty. I'm not sure what your coolest weather is like, but if there was a couple of months that were milder than that, it might work.

[@lenny1174]

Great

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks!

[@ffs6158]

Thank you for this. I tried peas for the first time this fall, they got about a foot tall, but moles decided to invade the yard and ate the entire plants, left nothing behind. So trying again for spring (9b luckily, so can start again so soon) in a brick planter this time! (and bought mole bait!)

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! That sure had to have been disappointing. I hope the next try goes my better for you.

[@tatchik77]

I'm in southern Kansas so it's probably too late to plant them now, do you think?

[@MidwestGardener]

It's probably a little late, but it wouldn't hurt to try. The only thing about planting them late is that if it get hot really early, they don't do well in hot weather. As you know, Kansas can surprise you sometimes when it comes to weather. A long milder spring, and peas might be ok.

[@forthosewhoHUNGER]

Jim, first, may 2021 be filled with love, joy, perfect health and blessings of abundance for you and your family in Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen! 😁🙏🏼❤️ Now...GREAT VIDEO! Question: When “they” say plant when your “soil is workable”, what does that really mean? Here in the Missouri Ozarks, we pretty much have workable soil all year round. It may be 60 or even 70 one day in January then drop to 20 the next! In 6b, when do you really start getting all your cool weather crops planted? Kale, collards, broccoli, chard, etc.? Thanks, Jim. God bless you and all your loved ones. 😁🙏🏼❤️

[@MidwestGardener]

Thank you very much for the prayer for the coming year, Amy! I can always use more of those :) I know what you mean about the "workable soil" phrase. That is a bit vague for sure. Like yours, our soil is workable all year round, except when it's too wet. For peas, I would plant 5 or even 6 weeks before your last freeze. For some of the others you listed, I like to gamble with a few seeds sometimes by planting very early. I heard an old gardener once say that you could plant seeds as early as you want, because God knows when it's time for them to come up :) There is some truth to that, but then again, some plants can freeze easier than others. Many of my early spring crops, I try to plant 3 or 4 weeks before the last freeze date. I know not all of this is crystal clear, but hopefully there is some useful information in there somewhere, lol.

[@gisela1074]

What is your favorite sugar snap peas?

[@MidwestGardener]

We like Sugar Ann snap peas.

[@namtyhd7401]

👋👋👍👍👍❤️💚

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks!

[@namtyhd7401]

chào bác chúc sức khỏe 💪💪💪💪

[@SashasGarden38]

Great video 🌱My Snap 🫛 are starting to bloom. I'm so excited 🌱

[@MidwestGardener]

Thank you! Good luck!