Oregon Sugar Pod II

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early spring, as soon as soil can be worked, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. Sow seeds in wide rows or bands 3 inches across, spacing the wide rows 2 feet apart. Provide supports for these 2 1/2 foot vines at planting time. Protect from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. If first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 2 1/2 months before first expected fall frost.

GROWING NOTES

Use netting or wire trellis or short tree branches stuck into the ground to support these heavy bearing vines for easy picking. Turn a sprinkling of bone meal and wood ashes into the soil before planting. Keep pea vines well weeded and watered, and mulch to conserve moisture.

HARVEST AND USE

Pick peas frequently when pods are fully formed but still flat with tiny immature peas. Snow peas are delicious in stir-fries with ginger, soy sauce and garlic, but cook very quickly, just until they turn a deeper green color. Or enjoy the juicy pods as you pick them fresh from the vines.