Sugar Snap Peas Planting Dates Arkansas

Best Planting Times for Sugar Snap Peas in Arkansas

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Direct Seeding	February 15 – March 15
	Harvest	May 1 – June 15
Greenhouse Planting	Seed Starting	January 15 – February 15

Planting Conditions

Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. This environment supports a long growing season, making it ideal for sugar snap peas.

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Seeds

Using high-quality sugar snap pea seeds is essential for robust germination and growth. Strong seeds lead to healthier plants.

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Planting Trays

Utilizing planting trays can help you manage your seedlings effectively and promote healthy growth before transplanting.

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Grow Lights

Grow lights are beneficial when natural sunlight is insufficient. They help secure the necessary light for healthy seedling growth.

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Seed Starting Soil

High-quality seed starting soil accelerates root development and promotes healthy plants right from the start.

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Fertilizer

To achieve abundant harvests of sugar snap peas in Arkansas, using fertilizer can replenish soil nutrients and support vigorous growth.

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For optimal results, plant sugar snap peas in Arkansas approximately 1-2 weeks before the last expected frost date, ensuring the soil is adequately prepared.

Average Last Frost Dates for Arkansas’s Major Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
Little Rock	April 5
Fort Smith	April 1
Fayetteville	April 10
Jonesboro	April 15
Springdale	April 8
Conway	April 7

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 Arkansas:

Kale Planting in Arkansas

Broccoli Planting in Arkansas

Tomato Planting in Arkansas

Any questions on growing sugar snap peas? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Sugar Snap Peas.

Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

In Arkansas, begin indoor sugar snap pea seed starting between February 15 and March 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-March to early April when soil temperatures reach around 45°F.

Transplanting Sugar Snap Pea Seedlings

Transplant sugar snap pea seedlings outdoors from mid-March to early April, ensuring the soil has warmed adequately. Space seedlings 2-4 inches apart in rows with at least 24 inches between rows for optimal growth.

Irrigation and Shading

In hot areas like this, keeping plants hydrated is essential. Using an oscillating sprinkler is an easy solution for home gardeners. Place the sprinkler in the center of your vegetable garden, and water early in the morning when the temperatures are lower. This allows the water to penetrate deep into the soil before it can evaporate in the heat.

You can also use shade cloths or shade fabric to protect your plants from the strongest midday sun. These can be draped over plants or placed on frames to reduce heat stress during peak hours.

Check out oscillating sprinklers from Amazon here

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide consistent watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Arkansas’s warm climate can lead to quick soil drying, so frequent watering is essential.
• Water at the base of plants to minimize leaf wetness and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and again at the first sign of flowers. Incorporating compost before planting can boost soil fertility and improve structure.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids and leafhoppers. Arkansas’s humidity can promote fungal diseases, so vigilance is critical.
• Implement organic or integrated pest management strategies to protect sugar snap pea plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest sugar snap peas when pods are well-developed but still plump. Regular harvesting encourages continued production and prevents over-mature pods.

Sugar Snap Peas: An Overview

Sugar snap peas are a unique variety of peas that are known for their sweet flavor and crisp texture. They are a hybrid between snow peas and garden peas, with edible pods that can be eaten raw or cooked. These peas are high in vitamins A and C, making them nutritious and delicious. They grow well in cooler temperatures and are often sown in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.

The importance of good soil

Before starting to grow it is important to take a step back and find the condition of the soil in your garden. The optimal soil is a blend that includes the mineral-rich dirt along with organic-rich organic matter that plants need to thrive.

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 🙂