Rough draft 4/11/2022
Intro
To define a snow pea is to describe their characteristics. They are mildly flavored and can be served raw or cooked. They have a flatter pod than sugar snap peas and are found in the freezer section or fresh at Farmers Markets. Snap peas are also known as sugar snap peas and are a cross between snow peas and garden peas. The snow pea pods are not plump; they are flat with thin walls. These peas are similar to the sugar snap peas yet the snow peas are easier to pick and eat off the vine with small pea formations within the thin walls of the skin.
Growing , Sun, and Water
Most varieties of peas are ready to harvest 60 to 70 days after planting. Peas mature quickly, so check daily once you see the flowers in bloom. The pea tendrils will also grow quickly and want to climb so the pea plant can grow vertical. We planted the snow pea against metal fencing and it did beautifully.
Pick peas in the morning after the dew has dried. They will be found crispiest during the morning hours. Peas need a moderate amount of water to thrive and develop healthy pea pods. Peas rarely need watering more than once per week but they do require an even moisture level throughout the growing season. Keep an eye on the soil during heat waves or hot spells during the summer to make sure the harvest will be more than plenty. For best results, peas need at least six to eight hours of full sun exposure daily. Like most summer vegetable gardens, pea planted needs the sum and doesn’t mind the hot temperatures. If the peas are grown in partial shade they may notice the appearance of growing slower.
Conclusion
There are more than 19,000 species of legumes. It’s amazing to think that the snow peas belong to the legumes family. It really does! A legume is an all-encompassing term for plants with pods that have edible seeds in them
The beautiful part of growing a snow pea is watching the tendrils wrap their magic around anything that they can grow on. It’s also nice when their lavender and white flowers become in bloom and how butterflies can be attracted to them. The absolute best of all is how you can snap one off of the plant and have a healthy crunchy snack right in the garden.
Resource links
https://www.thespruce.com/companion-plants-for-garden-peas-2540054
https://www.gardenguides.com/12540380-what-is-the-difference-between-snow-peas-edamame.html