Sugar Snap Peas Planting Dates Wisconsin

Best Planting Times for Sugar Snap Peas in Wisconsin

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Indoor Seed Starting	March 15 – April 15
	Transplant Outdoors	April 15 – May 1
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Wisconsin’s climate varies significantly, with cold winters and warm summers. The USDA Hardiness Zones range from 3a to 5b, making it important to consider the right planting times for sugar snap peas to ensure a fruitful harvest.

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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.

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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.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

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 Wisconsin, a greenhouse can provide a protective environment for sugar snap peas against late spring frosts and unpredictable weather. It allows for an extended growing season and enables control over temperature and moisture levels, ensuring healthier plants and higher yields.

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


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

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

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Plant sugar snap peas outdoors in Wisconsin approximately 1-2 weeks before the last frost date to ensure optimal germination and growth conditions.

Average Last Frost Dates for Wisconsin’s Major Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
Milwaukee	May 15
Madison	May 20
Green Bay	May 16
Kenosha	May 18
Appleton	May 19
Eau Claire	May 21
Oshkosh	May 17
Racine	May 15
Waukesha	May 19
Sheboygan	May 15

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 Wisconsin:

Broccoli Planting in Wisconsin

Kale Planting in Wisconsin

Pumpkin Planting in Wisconsin

Tomato Planting in Wisconsin

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

Starting Sugar Snap Peas Indoors

In Wisconsin (Zone 5a), begin indoor sugar snap pea seed starting between March 1 and March 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from late March to early April, just before the last frost date.

Transplanting Sugar Snap Pea Seedlings

Transplant sugar snap pea seedlings outdoors from April 1 to April 15, ensuring the soil temperature is at least 45°F. Space the seedlings 2-4 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Wisconsin’s varying climate requires monitoring moisture levels to ensure healthy growth.
• Water at the base of plants to avoid excess moisture on leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during planting to support legume growth. Incorporating compost can also enhance soil fertility and support healthy plants.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids and pea weevils, as well as diseases like powdery mildew. Vigilance throughout the growing season is crucial.
• Utilize organic pest control methods to protect sugar snap pea plants and minimize chemical use.

Harvesting

• Harvest sugar snap peas while they are still plump and tender. Regular harvesting encourages more pod production and prevents over-maturity.

Facts about Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas are a sweet and crunchy variety of pea that are enjoyed both raw and cooked. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and provide important minerals such as iron and magnesium. Sugar snap peas are a great source of dietary fiber, helping to maintain a healthy digestive system. They are usually planted in early spring and can be harvested in about 60 days.

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 🙂