sugar snap peas Planting Dates Alaska

Best Planting Times for Sugar Snap Peas in Alaska

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Direct Seed	April 15 – May 15
	Transplant Outdoors	June 1 – June 15
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Alaska’s climate can be challenging for sugar snap peas, with shorter growing seasons and colder temperatures. Using greenhouses can help create more favorable conditions for optimal growth.

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Useful Tools for Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

High-quality seeds are essential for successful germination and a healthy harvest. Investing in good seeds gives your sugar snap peas a strong start.

Browse Sugar Snap Peas Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Planting trays help organize seedlings and provide adequate space for growth before transplanting outdoors, enhancing growth potential.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

If natural light is insufficient, grow lights are a great alternative. They provide necessary illumination for strong seedling growth in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using specialized seed starting soil promotes quick root establishment and healthy growth. It sets your sugar snap peas up for success right from the start.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Greenhouse Growing

In Alaska, a greenhouse helps mitigate the cold and extends the growing season for sugar snap peas, allowing for a more stable environment that protects plants from harsh weather conditions. This means you can grow healthier crops and even enjoy multiple harvests by controlling temperature and light better.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your sugar snap peas thrive in a controlled environment.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

To maximize sugar snap pea growth in Alaska, using fertilizer can significantly enhance yields. Fertilizers replenish soil nutrients, encouraging vigorous growth and ensuring you get a bountiful harvest.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Plant sugar snap peas outdoors in Alaska approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Alaska’s Major Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
Anchorage	May 10
Fairbanks	May 20
Juneau	May 29
Sitka	May 30
Ketchikan	May 26

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts and adapt planting decisions accordingly.

Other planting guides for Alaska:

Cucumber Planting in Alaska

Kale Planting in Alaska

Pumpkin Planting in Alaska

Tomato Planting in Alaska

Any questions on growing vegetables? Visit our forum to discuss: Gardening Forum.

Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

In Alaska, it is recommended to start sugar snap pea seeds indoors around March 15 to April 1. This timing allows for healthy seedlings to be ready for transplantation outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked, typically by mid-May when the risk of frost has diminished.

Transplanting Sugar Snap Pea Seedlings

Transplant sugar snap pea seedlings outdoors from May 15 to June 1. Ensure that the soil temperature is consistently above 45°F for optimal growth. Space the seedlings 3-4 inches apart in rows with at least 24 inches between rows.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during flowering and pod development stages.
• Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. Water at the base of the plants instead.

Fertilizing

• Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of pod development.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly inspect for pests such as aphids and pea weevils, which can affect yield and plant health.
• Utilize organic pest control methods and ensure good air circulation to prevent diseases like powdery mildew.

Harvesting

• Harvest sugar snap peas when they are plump and crisp, typically around 60-70 days after planting. Regular harvesting encourages further production and prevents peas from becoming over-mature.

Sugar Snap Peas: A Nutritious Garden Favorite

Sugar snap peas are a delightful addition to any garden, known for their sweet flavor and crunch. They are a hybrid pea variety that combines the sweetness of garden peas with the crispness of snow peas. Not only are they delicious, but they are also rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and minerals, making them a healthy choice for snacking or cooking.

In my garden I try to compost as much as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient-rich compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”..
If you don’t have the time or space for composting, it is possible to get compost ready to use in garden centers and Community Composting.
You can read more on Community Composting here: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/community-composting

If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil, you can get easy to use soil tests at amazon for 17 dollars. Check latest prices here: Soil testing kit.

Also remember to check out how much sunlight your growing area gets, and that the rain drains well. If you treat your soil well and plan your crops according to your climate you will succeed with any plant you want.

The satisfaction when you harvest your own produce is well worth the time you put in 🙂