Sugar Snap Peas Planting Dates Rhode Island

Best Planting Times for Sugar Snap Peas in Rhode Island

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Indoor Seed Starting	March 15 – April 15
	Transplant Outdoors	April 5 – May 5
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Rhode Island’s temperate climate is conducive for growing sugar snap peas, which thrive in cool weather. The state’s USDA Hardiness Zones range between 6a to 7b, making it suitable for early spring planting.

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Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your sugar snap peas the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.

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Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.

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Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

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Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.

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Greenhouse Growing

In Rhode Island, utilizing a greenhouse for sugar snap peas allows for earlier planting and extended growing seasons. It provides a controlled environment that protects plants from cool weather and potential frost, ensuring more consistent yields.

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

For optimal sugar snap pea growth in Rhode Island, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.

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Plant sugar snap peas outdoors in Rhode Island approximately 2-3 weeks before the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is cool but workable for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Rhode Island’s Major Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
Providence	May 1
Warwick	April 30
Cranston	April 28
Pawtucket	May 3
East Providence	May 2

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 Rhode Island:

Broccoli Planting in Rhode Island

Pumpkin Planting in Rhode Island

Tomato Planting in Rhode Island

Any questions on growing sugar snap peas? Visit our forum to discuss: Gardening Forum.

Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

In Rhode Island (Zone 6a), begin indoor sugar snap pea seed starting from late March to early April. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation by mid-April to late April, once the soil temperature is ideally around 45°F or higher.

Transplanting Sugar Snap Pea Seedlings

Transplant sugar snap pea seedlings outdoors from April 15 to April 30. Plant the seedlings 2-3 inches apart in rows, with at least 24-36 inches between rows, to provide adequate space for growth and airflow.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Rhode Island’s climate can vary, so monitoring soil moisture is key.
• Water at the base of plants to prevent excess moisture on leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting time and again at flowering, as sugar snap peas do not require excessive nitrogen. Adding compost can also improve soil health.

Pest and Disease Management

• Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids and pea weevils, as well as diseases like powdery mildew. Vigilance is crucial for healthy plants.
• Utilize organic pest control methods and crop rotation to minimize pest and disease issues in the garden.

Harvesting

• Harvest sugar snap peas when they are plump and crisp, typically 7-10 days after flowering. Regular harvesting encourages the plants to produce more pods.

Facts about Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar Snap Peas are a delicious and nutritious vegetable, known for their sweet flavor and crunchy texture. They are a hybrid of snow peas and garden peas, and are typically consumed whole, including the pod. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber, they are low in calories and make a great addition to salads, stir-fries, and snacks. Sugar Snap Peas thrive in cooler weather and are best planted in early spring or 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 🙂