Best Planting Times for Sugar Snap Peas in Minnesota

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingDirect Sow SeedsApril 15 – May 15
Transplant OutdoorsN/A
Greenhouse PlantingStart Seeds IndoorsMarch 15 – April 1

Planting Conditions

Sugar Snap Peas Planting Conditions

Minnesota experiences cold winters and moderate summers, making it essential to time sugar snap pea planting correctly. With USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 3a to 5b, growers must be mindful of frost and soil temperature for successful germination.

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Useful Tools for Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

Utilizing the right tools can greatly simplify the planting process and improve your success rate.

Seeds

Using quality seeds is crucial for achieving good germination rates and robust plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your sugar snap peas the best chance to flourish right from the start.
Sugar Snap Peas Seeds
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Planting Trays

Using planting trays helps keep your seedlings organized and provides adequate space for growth before transplanting outdoors, improving the likelihood of healthy plants.
Planting Trays Image
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Grow Lights

Grow lights are beneficial for providing adequate light to seedlings, particularly when natural sunlight is insufficient. They promote healthy growth for young plants, especially during the early part of the growing season.
Grow Lights Image
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Seed Starting Soil

Utilizing a fine, lightweight seed starting soil encourages quick establishment of young roots, setting a strong foundation for healthy plant growth.
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Greenhouse Growing

In Minnesota, a greenhouse can provide the necessary warmth and protection from late frosts, ensuring that sugar snap peas thrive. It allows for an extended growing season and helps mitigate the adverse effects of rapid temperature changes typical in this region.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to maintain a controlled environment for optimal sugar snap pea growth.
Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2
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Fertilizer

To promote healthy growth of sugar snap peas in Minnesota, using fertilizer can replenish essential nutrients in the soil, resulting in stronger plants and higher crop yields.
Fertilizer Image
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Plant sugar snap peas outdoors in Minnesota approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date to ensure optimal growth conditions.

Average Last Frost Dates for Minnesota’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
MinneapolisMay 5
Saint PaulMay 8
RochesterMay 12
DuluthMay 20
BloomingtonMay 6

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts and adjust planting schedules as needed.

Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

In Minnesota (Zone 4-5), begin indoor sugar snap pea seed starting between March 1 and April 1. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid to late April, as soon as the soil can be worked and the risk of severe frost has diminished.

Transplanting Sugar Snap Pea Seedlings

Transplant sugar snap pea seedlings outdoors from April 15 to April 30, ensuring that the soil temperature is consistently above 45°F. Space the seedlings 2-4 inches apart in rows with at least 24-36 inches between rows to allow for adequate growth and airflow.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during dry spells. Proper moisture levels are crucial for healthy pea production.
  • Water in the morning to allow plants to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of disease.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and a second dose when pea vines are about 6 inches tall to support growth.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly check for common pests such as aphids and root maggots. Early detection and management are vital, especially in Minnesota’s varying weather conditions.
  • Utilize crop rotation and companion planting to reduce the likelihood of diseases and pests.

Harvesting

  • Harvest sugar snap peas when they are plump and crisp, usually 60-70 days after planting. Regular harvesting encourages more production.

Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas are a unique variety of pea known for their sweet taste and crunchy texture. These peas are a cross between snow peas and garden peas, making them edible whole, pods and all. They thrive in cool weather and can be grown in many garden types, providing an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber.


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 🙂

BeeJay
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