Best Planting Times for Sugar Snap Peas in New Jersey

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingFebruary 15 – March 15
Transplant OutdoorsMarch 20 – April 5
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Sugar Snap Peas Planting Conditions

New Jersey has a varied climate with both temperate and humid conditions, making it suitable for sugar snap peas. The state is primarily in USDA Hardiness Zones 6b to 7a, allowing for a favorable growing period for peas.

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Useful Tools for Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

Having the right tools can significantly enhance your success rate when starting sugar snap peas.

Seeds

Starting with high-quality sugar snap pea seeds will ensure better germination and healthier plants.
Sugar Snap Peas Seeds
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Planting Trays

Using planting trays helps you manage your seedlings effectively and ensures they have adequate space for development before being transplanted outdoors.
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Grow Lights

Grow lights are crucial when there is insufficient natural light. They provide the necessary illumination for seedlings to thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Grow Lights Image
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Seed Starting Soil

Utilizing a fine seed starting soil helps young roots establish quickly and supports healthy growth.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

In New Jersey, utilizing a greenhouse allows for better temperature control, particularly during early spring when sugar snap peas need to be sown. Greenhouses also offer protection from unpredictable weather, pests, and diseases, enhancing the overall yield and success rate.

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

For lush and healthy sugar snap peas in New Jersey, using fertilizer can help replenish nutrients in the soil and ensure abundant yields.
Fertilizer Image
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Plant sugar snap peas outdoors in New Jersey about 2-3 weeks before the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for New Jersey’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
TrentonApril 15
NewarkApril 10
Jersey CityApril 13
ElizabethApril 16
PatersonApril 14
CamdenApril 20
BrickApril 18
Atlantic CityApril 25
New BrunswickApril 15
BayonneApril 14

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

Fertilizer Usage Tips for Optimal Growth

Other planting guides for New Jersey:

Broccoli Planting in New Jersey

Pumpkin Planting in New Jersey

Tomato Planting in New Jersey

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

Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

In New Jersey (Zone 6a), begin indoor sugar snap pea seed starting between February 15 and March 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation by late March to early April when the soil temperature reaches 45°F.

Transplanting Sugar Snap Pea Seedlings

Transplant sugar snap pea seedlings outdoors from April 1 to April 15, ensuring the soil is adequately warmed. Space the seedlings 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. New Jersey’s varying climate requires regular checks to prevent soil dryness, especially during dry spells.
  • Water at the base of plants to avoid excess moisture on the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when flowers start to appear. Incorporating compost before planting can enhance soil fertility and structure for better yield.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Vigilance is crucial, especially during the humid summer months that can promote disease.
  • Utilize organic or integrated pest management practices to minimize risks to your sugar snap pea plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest sugar snap peas when they are plump and crispy, typically 60-70 days after planting. Regular harvesting encourages continued production and prevents over-maturity.

The importance of Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas are a hybrid variety of peas that combine the sweetness of garden peas with the crispiness of snow peas. They are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and protein. Growing sugar snap peas is a rewarding experience, as they typically mature quickly and can be harvested in just 60-70 days after planting.


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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