Sugar Snap Peas Planting Dates Maine

Best Planting Times for Sugar Snap Peas in Maine

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

Planting Conditions

Maine’s climate can be challenging for growing sugar snap peas due to its cooler temperatures and shorter growing season. However, by choosing the right planting dates and taking advantage of season extension methods, successful cultivation is possible.

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Useful Tools for Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

Having the right tools can greatly improve your chances of successful seed germination and plant establishment.

Seeds

Choosing quality sugar snap pea seeds is crucial for ensuring good germination and robust plant growth.

Browse Sugar Snap Pea Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Using planting trays allows for better organization of your seedlings before they are transplanted outdoors, improving their chances for survival and health.


Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

In Maine, where sunlight can be limited in the early spring, grow lights will help provide the energy your seedlings need to grow strong.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using a light, fine soil mix designed for seed starting can promote quick root establishment and healthier plant growth.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Greenhouse Growing

In Maine, utilizing a greenhouse can help mitigate the effects of the colder climate, extending the growing season for sugar snap peas. Greenhouses offer controlled environments that protect plants from frost and provide stable temperatures, resulting in healthier plants and potentially higher yields.

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


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

Using fertilizer can greatly enhance the growth of sugar snap peas in Maine by replenishing soil nutrients necessary for strong growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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

Average Last Frost Dates for Maine’s Major Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
Portland	May 10
Augusta	May 15
Bangor	May 20
South Portland	May 12
Westbrook	May 13

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 Maine:

Broccoli Planting in Maine

Kale Planting in Maine

Pumpkin Planting in Maine

Any questions on growing peas? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Peas.

Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

In cities like Portland (Zone 5b), begin indoor sugar snap pea seed starting between March 1 and March 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-April once the danger of frost has diminished.

Transplanting Sugar Snap Pea Seedlings

Transplant sugar snap pea seedlings outdoors from April 15 to May 1, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 45°F. Space the seedlings 2-3 inches apart in rows with at least 18-30 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Ensure consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during dry spells in Maine’s varying climate.
• Water at the base of plants to prevent leaf wetness, which helps in reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and again when the first pods begin to form. Adding compost before planting can improve soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly check for common pests such as aphids and leaf miners, as well as diseases like powdery mildew. Being proactive can help maintain healthy plants.
• Utilize organic or integrated pest management strategies to protect sugar snap peas from pests and diseases effectively.

Harvesting

• Harvest sugar snap peas when they are plump and fully developed. Regular harvesting encourages continuous pod production and prevents over-mature peas.

Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar Snap Peas are a popular variety of pea that combines the best features of snow peas and garden peas. They are sweet, crispy, and can be eaten pod and all. These peas are a delicious addition to salads, stir-fries, and snacks, making them a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike. They’re rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious choice of legume. Additionally, they’re relatively easy to cultivate, giving a rewarding harvest in a short timeframe.

In my garden, I try to compost as much as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient-rich compost into 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 🙂