The Complete Guide to Grow Sugar Snap Peas in Containers

Container gardening is an excellent way to enjoy fresh sugar snap peas, even in limited spaces. These sweet, crunchy legumes are not only versatile in the kitchen but also relatively easy to grow.

Choosing the Right Container

Here are some key considerations:

• Find a container that is at least 16-18 inches deep and wide. This size allows for adequate root development.
• Containers can be made from various materials, including plastic, ceramic, or wood. Ensure that the chosen material is durable and suitable for outdoor conditions.
• Proper drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging. Make sure your container has sufficient drainage holes at the bottom.
• Use a high-quality potting mix that drains well. Incorporating compost can enhance nutrient availability for your plants.

Fabric

Opt for a fabric pot that is at least 12-16 inches wide to ensure enough space for root development of your sugar snap peas.

Look for strong fabric pots with handles to make repositioning easier for optimal sun exposure.

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Gardzen 10-Pack

These durable non-woven fabric grow bags provide excellent aeration and drainage, which are crucial for healthy sugar snap pea growth.

Currently, these bags are priced at $19.99 for a 10 pack of 5-gallon bags. Check the latest prices on Amazon here.

Container with trellis

Plastic pots retain moisture and are effective for growing sugar snap peas, This planter has both self watering and trellis:

The Sunnyglade Raised Garden Bed Planter Box with Trellis is a practical solution for growing climbing plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peas. Its 44-inch trellis supports vertical growth, while the planter box includes a water reservoir and drainage system to keep soil moist and prevent waterlogging. Made from durable polypropylene, it’s weather-resistant and easy to assemble without tools. The adjustable frame lets you customize the height for different plants, and its portability makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor spaces.

Currently priced at $33.98 (15% off) with a 4.0 out of 5-star rating, you can find the Sunnyglade Raised Garden Bed Planter Box at Amazon.

Recycled 

Repurposed containers like old buckets can serve as planters, provided they are modified with proper drainage holes.

Terracotta

The D’vine Dev Large 10-Inch Terracotta Plant Pot not only looks great but also ensures optimal drainage for your sugar snap peas. Its breathable material helps in regulating moisture levels and root health.

Price: $64.99
You can find the D’vine Dev Large 10-Inch Terracotta Plant Pot at Amazon.

Corten Steel

The Veradek Corten Steel Series Cube Planter offers a modern look for your sugar snap peas. This durable planter develops a unique rust patina, providing a stylish touch while enduring various weather conditions year-round.

With ample room for roots, this planter promotes healthy growth and has built-in drainage to support your plants.

The Veradek Corten Steel Series Cube Planter is priced at $189.99 on Amazon and holds a customer rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

You can find the Veradek Corten Steel Series Cube Planter at Amazon.

Essential Tips for Successful Cultivation

To maximize your chances of a fruitful harvest, consider the following expert tips:

1. Sowing Seeds

When planting, place seeds 1 to 2 inches deep and space them about 4 inches apart. If you’re planting in rows, ensure adequate spacing to allow for growth. Water the seeds thoroughly after sowing to promote germination.

2. Timing Your Planting

Sugar snap peas thrive in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for spring and fall planting. Position your containers in a location that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or use shade cloth to protect them during hotter periods.

3. Watering Practices

Maintain consistent soil moisture without overwatering. Check the soil by inserting your finger about an inch deep; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Regular watering is especially important during dry spells to ensure healthy growth.

4. Providing Support

For climbing varieties, install trellises or bamboo poles early in the growing season. This support will help the plants grow vertically, making harvesting easier and promoting better air circulation.

Companion Planting Strategies

Enhance your container garden by incorporating companion plants. For instance, growing lettuce alongside sugar snap peas can optimize space and resource use, as both plants have complementary growth habits.

Reference Table

Aspect	Recommendation
Container Size	16-18 inches deep and wide
Soil Type	Well-draining potting mix with compost
Watering Frequency	Regularly, keeping soil moist
Sunlight	Morning sun, afternoon shade
Support	Trellises or bamboo poles for climbing varieties

The Importance of Sunlight

Sugar snap peas flourish in full sunlight, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct exposure each day for optimal growth and production.

A south-facing balcony or patio is ideal for your planters, as it ensures sufficient light. Reflective surfaces can also enhance sunlight intake in limited areas.

Planting

I have had success germinating sugar snap peas directly from seeds rather than transplants, as they adapt well to container life.

Sugar Daddy Snap Pea seeds are a reliable and flavorful choice for your home garden. These heirloom, non-GMO seeds grow open-pollinated snap peas that thrive in full sun with moderate watering. Perfect for spring planting, they produce sweet, crisp pods that are great for fresh eating or adding to meals. At just $4.49 today, they come highly rated with 4.3 out of 5 stars from 167 reviewers.

You can find the Sugar Daddy Snap Pea seeds at Amazon.

This is my typical procedure when growing from seed:

Tray seeding

Start by filling the cells of your growing tray with a seed-starting mix—a lightweight soil that provides the right conditions for seeds to sprout. Gently place one or two tomato seeds into each cell, pressing them about a quarter-inch deep into the soil.

Grow medium

I prefer compressed coco coir blocs for germinating seeds. Then I can have an easy to use grow medium ready at any time

Check Amazon here for latest prices.

I use these easy to use 12 Cell trays for germinating:

Right now you can get a 5 pack for $11.99 at Amazon, and you can check the latest prices and buy the trays here.

 After planting, lightly mist the soil with water using a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the seeds. Place the lid on the tray to maintain humidity, which speeds up germination.

Led grow lights are cost effective to use for lightning if your not able to use a windshell or grow outside in the summer.

LED Lighting from Bloom Lume

Transform your indoor garden with Bloom Lume’s full-spectrum LED lighs.They are designed to replicate natural sunlight and boost photosynthesis. The  lights come with a robust clamp and flexible gooseneck, allowing effortless adjustments.   You can effortlessly manage the setup with the Power button, toggling between tubes or using them solo. You can adjust brightness across 10 levels with the Dimmer button, and schedule light durations of 5, 10, or 15 hours using the Timer feature.

Order the Bloom Lume grow light at Amazon here

The Best Soil Mix

Use a well-draining potting mix combined with organic compost. A good-quality potting mix will provide adequate drainage, while compost enriches the soil with the nutrients that sugar snap peas require.

Sugar snap peas prefer soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 – 7.0). Commercial potting soils should work well for your plants.

For a premium handmade compost mix I recommend to use the Soil Sunrise blend with composted mushroom.

Get a bag of Soil Sunrise at Amazon here

The Soil Sunrise All-Purpose Compost Blend is a premium mix designed to improve soil quality and plant health.

The ingredients are mushroom compost, worm castings, coco coir, and rice hulls.

Care

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture in the soil, ensuring it doesn’t dry out, especially during the growing season.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to support healthy growth and pod development.
• Pest Management: Regularly inspect for common pests and diseases, applying organic treatments when necessary.

Trellis

Sugar Snap Pea plants need to have som support to grow well. You can read different way to make trellis in this post:

8 Creative Trellis Ideas for Sweet Peas

Sugar Snap Pea Growth Timeline

Growth Stage	Timeframe	Key Activities
Seedling	0-12 weeks	Start seeds indoors or outdoors in optimal conditions, keeping soil reliably moist.
Growth	12-24 weeks	Provide consistent water and nutrition while monitoring for pests.
Flowering	24-36 weeks	Support flowering and prepare for pod development.
Fruit Development	36+ weeks	Check regularly for ripe peas and harvest them promptly.

 

Common Challenges and Solutions

While growing sugar snap peas in containers can be rewarding, there are some common challenges you may encounter. Here are solutions to help you overcome them:

Challenge	Solution
Pests (e.g., aphids, spider mites)	Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat infestations. Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests.
Diseases (e.g., powdery mildew)	Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove affected leaves promptly.
Insufficient sunlight	Move containers to a sunnier location or use reflective surfaces to increase light exposure.
Overwatering	Check soil moisture regularly and adjust watering frequency based on weather conditions.

Pros and Cons of Container Gardening for Sugar Snap Peas

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of growing sugar snap peas in containers can help you make an informed decision:

Pros	Cons
Space-efficient; ideal for small areas	Limited root space may affect growth
Control over soil quality	Requires regular monitoring of moisture levels
Mobility; can be moved to optimize sunlight	Potential for higher temperatures in pots during hot weather
Less competition from weeds	May need additional support for climbing varieties

Harvesting Your Sugar Snap Peas

Knowing when and how to harvest your sugar snap peas is crucial for enjoying their sweet flavor:

• Timing: Harvest peas when the pods are plump but still tender, typically 60-70 days after planting.
• Technique: Use scissors or garden shears to cut the pods from the vine, avoiding damage to the plant.
• Frequency: Regular harvesting encourages more pod production, so check your plants every few days.

Additional Resources

For further reading and resources on container gardening and growing sugar snap peas, consider the following:

• How to grow Peas from seed
• Sugar Snap Pea US planting dates
• Creative trellis for peas

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