More Peas, please!
Growing snow peas is a rewarding and relatively easy gardening project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Choosing the right variety
Select a variety of snow peas suited to your climate and growing conditions. Popular varieties include ‘Oregon Sugar Pod’ and ‘Mammoth Melting Sugar.’
2. Timing
Snow peas prefer cooler weather. In Australia, it’s best to plant them in early spring or autumn.
3. Site Selection
Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Snow peas can tolerate a range of soil types but prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
4. Soil Preparation
Work a compost try ActivGrow Soil Improver or well-rotted manure like Cow Manure into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Ensure the soil is loose and crumbly for good root development.
5. Sowing Seeds
Directly sow seeds into the garden bed. Or if you are still experiencing frost try sowing the seeds into seedling pots and place them into a container/hot house to keep warm until the weather warms up.
Snow Peas seeds should be planted about 2-3 cm deep and if in the ground, allow 5 cm apart in rows that are 30 cm apart and water well after planting.
Hot tip: plant seeds in lots at different weeks so you get your Snow Peas for months not just week. This is called successive planting.
6. Supporting your Snow Peas
Snow peas are climbers and need support:
Use trellises, stakes, or netting to provide support for the vines as they grow. You can make these at home with a straight stick or purchase from Bunnings.
7. Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Hot tip: Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
8. Mulching
Apply a layer of The Garden Family Sugar Cane Mulch to help retain soil moisture and control weeds.
9. Fertilisation
Snow peas typically don’t require much fertilisation if the soil is well-prepared.
If necessary, use a balanced fertiliser sparingly, try something palletised like ActivGrow Fertiliser Pellets.
10. Pests and Diseases
Watch for common pests like aphids, slugs, and snails.
Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent fungal diseases.
11. Harvesting
Snow peas are ready to harvest about 60-70 days after planting, the joys of growing at home. Get the kids to pick the pods when they are flat and about 7-10 cm long before the peas inside start to swell.
Harvest regularly to encourage more pod production.
12. Storage – Ways you can cook Snow Peas
Snow peas are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some top ways to cook snow peas:
Fresh snow peas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
They can also be blanched and frozen for longer storage.
1. Stir-Fry
Ingredients: Snow peas, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil.
Method: Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add snow peas and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Season with soy sauce and a splash of sesame oil.
2. Steamed
Ingredients: Snow peas, salt, butter or olive oil.
Method: Steam snow peas in a steamer basket over boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and toss with butter or olive oil.
3. Blanched
Ingredients: Snow peas, salt.
Method: Boil a pot of salted water. Add snow peas and cook for 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and use in salads or as a side dish.
4. Sautéed with Lemon and Garlic
Ingredients: Snow peas, garlic, lemon, olive oil, salt, pepper.
Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add snow peas and cook for 2-3 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the peas, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Added to Soups and Stews
Ingredients: Snow peas, broth, assorted vegetables and proteins.
Method: Add snow peas to your favourite soups or stews during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to retain their crisp texture.
6. Raw in Salads
Ingredients: Snow peas, mixed greens, vinaigrette.
Method: Slice snow peas into thin strips and add them to salads for a crunchy texture. They pair well with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.
7. Grilled
Ingredients: Snow peas, olive oil, salt, pepper.
Method: Toss snow peas with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they have nice grill marks and are tender-crisp.
9. In pasta dishes – Snow Pea Pesto Pasta
Ingredients: now peas, asparagus, orzo, baby spinach, mozzarella, mint leaves, Basil leaves
Method: See full method here.
10. Pickled
Ingredients: Snow peas, vinegar, water, sugar, salt, spices.
Method: Bring vinegar, water, sugar, and salt to a boil. Pour over snow peas in a jar with your choice of spices. Seal and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
These methods highlight the versatility of snow peas and can help you incorporate them into various meals. Enjoy experimenting with these delicious and nutritious pods!
Have fun and enjoy!
