Best Planting Times for Sugar Snap Peas in Utah

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingMarch 15 – April 15
Transplant OutdoorsApril 20 – May 10
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Sugar Snap Peas Planting Conditions

Utah’s climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters, presents unique challenges for growing sugar snap peas. Understanding the USDA Hardiness Zones, which range from 4b to 8a, can help in timing your planting effectively.

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Useful Tools for Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

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.
Sugar Snap Peas Seeds
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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.
Planting Trays Image
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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.
Grow Lights Image
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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.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

In Utah, where extreme temperature fluctuations can affect sugar snap peas, a greenhouse provides a stable environment for optimal growth. Greenhouses extend the growing season, protect plants from harsh weather, and allow for year-round cultivation with proper climate control.

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

For optimal sugar snap pea growth in Utah, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Fertilizer Image
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Plant sugar snap peas outdoors in Utah approximately 1-2 weeks before the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is adequately warmed for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Utah’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
Salt Lake CityMay 10
ProvoMay 15
OgdenMay 6
St. GeorgeApril 25
LoganMay 20

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 Utah:

Broccoli Planting in Utah

Kale Planting in Utah

Pumpkin Planting in Utah

Any questions on growing cucumbers? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Cucumbers.

Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

In cities across Utah (Zone 6a to 7b), begin indoor sugar snap pea seed starting between February 15 and March 15. This timeline enables strong seedlings that can be transplanted outdoors around mid-April to late April, after the danger of hard frost has diminished.

Transplanting Sugar Snap Pea Seedlings

Transplant sugar snap pea seedlings outdoors from April 15 to April 30, ensuring the soil temperature is at least 40°F. Space the seedlings 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart to allow for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Ensure consistent watering to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells in Utah’s climate to promote healthy growth.
  • Water at the base of the plants to prevent excess moisture on the leaves, reducing risks of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting time, as peas fix their own nitrogen. Incorporating well-rotted compost can improve soil health and fertility.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, pea weevils, and fungal diseases. Regular monitoring is crucial for healthy growth.
  • Employ organic pest control methods and crop rotation to manage pests effectively without harming beneficial insects.

Harvesting

  • Harvest sugar snap peas when they are plump and firm, usually 60 to 70 days after planting. Regular harvesting encourages continued production.

Sugar Snap Peas: An Overview

Sugar Snap Peas are a delightful variety of peas that are harvested when the pods are still sweet and crunchy. They are a hybrid type of garden pea, combining the sweetness of sugar peas with the crispness of snow peas. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and protein, sugar snap peas are not only tasty but also packed with nutritional benefits. They are best enjoyed fresh, either raw or lightly cooked, making them a perfect addition to salads and stir-fries.

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 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 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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