Best Planting Times for Sugar Snap Peas in New Mexico

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingDirect SowingMarch 15 – April 15
Transplant OutdoorsN/A
Greenhouse PlantingIndoor Seed StartingJanuary 15 – March 1

Planting Conditions

Sugar Snap Peas Planting Conditions

New Mexico’s climate features hot summers and mild winters, making it essential to choose the right planting schedule for sugar snap peas to ensure a successful harvest. The state predominantly falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9.

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Useful Tools for Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

Using the right tools can enhance your gardening experience and increase your chances of success.

Seeds

Begin with high-quality seeds for sugar snap peas to ensure better germination rates and robust plant growth. Strong seeds yield healthy plants.
Sugar Snap Peas Seeds
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Planting Trays

Using planting trays is an efficient way to keep your seedlings organized and allow them to grow strong before moving them outdoors.
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Grow Lights

Grow lights can supplement natural sunlight for seedlings, ensuring they get the necessary light for healthy growth.
Grow Lights Image
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Seed Starting Soil

Utilizing light and fine soil designed for seed starting promotes quick root establishment and strong plant growth.
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Greenhouse Growing

In New Mexico, where the temperatures can soar during the summer, using a greenhouse can help create a stable environment for growing sugar snap peas. It protects plants from intense heat and pests, allowing for a more extended growing season, while delivering optimal growing conditions.

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

To promote healthy growth and bountiful harvests of sugar snap peas in New Mexico, using a quality fertilizer is recommended to replenish soil nutrients.
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Sow sugar snap peas outdoors in New Mexico after the last frost date to ensure optimal growth conditions.

Average Last Frost Dates for New Mexico’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
AlbuquerqueApril 5
Santa FeApril 10
Las CrucesApril 15
RoswellApril 10
FarmingtonApril 25

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 New Mexico:

Broccoli Planting in New Mexico

Pumpkin Planting in New Mexico

Tomato Planting in New Mexico

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

Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

In New Mexico, you can begin indoor sugar snap pea seed starting between February 15 and March 15. This window ensures that seedlings are robust and ready for outdoor transplantation around mid-April, taking advantage of the cooler spring temperatures before the heat of summer sets in.

Transplanting Sugar Snap Pea Seedlings

Transplant sugar snap pea seedlings outdoors from mid-April to the end of April, ensuring that the soil temperature is at least 45°F. Space the seedlings about 2 inches apart in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart for optimal growth and air circulation.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist, particularly in New Mexico’s arid climate. Regular irrigation is vital to prevent stress on the plants.
  • Water at the base of the plants to minimize moisture on the leaves, which can help prevent diseases.

Fertilizing

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

Pest and Disease Management

  • Monitor regularly for common pests such as aphids and pea weevils, and be vigilant against fungal diseases that can thrive in warm, moist conditions.
  • Adopt integrated pest management practices to safeguard sugar snap pea plants from potential pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest sugar snap peas when pods are plump but still tender. Frequent harvesting encourages continued production of peas throughout the growing season.

Sugar Snap Peas: A Quick Overview

Sugar snap peas are sweet, edible-podded peas that are both crunchy and juicy. They are a hybrid between snow peas and garden peas, providing a delightful flavor that is enjoyed raw in salads or cooked in various dishes. High in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, sugar snap peas not only taste great but are also nutritious. They grow best in cooler weather and can flourish in a home garden during spring and fall.

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 🙂

BeeJay
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