Best Planting Times for Sugar Snap Peas in Idaho

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingMarch 1 – March 15
Transplant OutdoorsApril 1 – April 15
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Sugar Snap Peas Planting Conditions

Idaho’s climate varies significantly across the state, making the growing conditions for sugar snap peas unique. The USDA Hardiness Zones in Idaho range from 3a to 7b, making careful scheduling essential for successful 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

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your sugar snap peas the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.
Sugar Snap Peas Seeds
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Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.
Planting Trays Image
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Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Grow Lights Image
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Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

In Idaho, where springtime temperatures can be unpredictable, using a greenhouse can protect seedlings from frost and create a stable environment for sugar snap peas. Greenhouses extend the growing season, allowing you to start planting earlier and harvest later into the year.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your sugar snap peas thrive in a controlled environment.
Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2
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Fertilizer

For optimal sugar snap pea growth in Idaho, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Fertilizer Image
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Plant sugar snap peas outdoors in Idaho approximately 1-2 weeks before the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is workable and suitable for planting.

Average Last Frost Dates for Idaho’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
BoiseApril 10
Idaho FallsMay 5
PocatelloMay 1
Coeur d’AleneApril 30
LewistonApril 15
NampaApril 8

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 Idaho:

Broccoli Planting in Idaho

Kale Planting in Idaho

Pumpkin Planting in Idaho

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

Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

In Idaho, you should begin indoor sugar snap pea seed starting from late February to early March. This timeline allows for healthy seedlings that are ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-April, once the risk of hard frost has passed.

Transplanting Sugar Snap Pea Seedlings

Transplant sugar snap pea seedlings outdoors from mid-April to the first week of May, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 45°F. Space the seedlings 2-3 inches apart in rows that are at least 18-24 inches apart for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and pod development stages. Idaho’s variable climate may require regular checks to maintain soil moisture.
  • Water at the base of plants to avoid excess moisture on the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Incorporate a balanced fertilizer at planting time and side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants are about 6 inches tall to promote healthy growth.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly inspect for common pests like aphids and pea weevils. Vigilance is important as pest pressures can vary seasonally.
  • Utilize organic practices and barriers such as row covers to protect sugar snap peas from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest sugar snap peas when the pods are plump but still tender. Regular harvesting encourages ongoing production and prevents over-maturity.

Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas are a delicious blend of garden peas and snow peas, offering a sweet taste and crunchy texture. They are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. Enjoying them fresh, steamed, or stir-fried can enhance their sweetness and crispness. They’re best grown in cool temperatures, making them a perfect early spring or fall crop.


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 🙂

BeeJay
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