Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
ing the bacteria needed for nitrogen fixation. (Inoculants are available from seed suppli-
ers; check label directions to see whether to add to seeds or soil.) Cover this fertilizer-
enriched soil with plain soil in which to set your seeds.
DID YOU KNOW?
Snow peas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, some B vitamins, and iron. They also contain vit-
amin K, protein, and dietary fiber. Their caloric content is about half that of garden peas if you compare
by weight; because they're so much bulkier, a 1-cup serving of snow peas has only a quarter of the calor-
ies of 1 cup of garden peas.
Sow thickly and ½ to 1 inch deep, since germination rates are sometimes low. If
seeds germinate well, thin to about 2 inches apart. I find peas don't mind being crowded
if you keep them well watered.
Growing needs. Vines grow from 16 to 60 inches or more, so plan your supports ac-
cordingly. You can't always count on dwarf varieties bushing. I grew one described as
“dwarf, needing no support.” Well, maybe. Mine grew 5-foot-high vines, but they were
absolutely delicious. This sometimes happens with the so-called dwarf varieties, so pre-
pare to put up a support if your bushes take off and start vining.
SNOW PEA BONUS
The bonus is not for you — at least not right away — but for your garden. Since snow peas are nitrogen-
fixing plants, use the dried vines and roots as a nitrogen-rich mulch and till them under at the end of the
season. I think they're wasted on the compost heap and should be returned to your garden soil at the earli-
est opportunity. If you don't till your soil at the end of the season, cut vines off at soil level to let roots
decompose in place and use the tops as mulch. This is an easy and organic way to enrich your soil with
nitrogen.
When the plants are 8 inches high, fill in the trench to almost soil level; leaving it a
little below soil level makes thorough watering easier. Keep the soil on the moist side at
all times. Mulch is especially beneficial for peas; it keeps the soil moist, and it keeps it
cool, which is equally important. Don't let the mulch actually touch the vines, or it will
rot them. Before mulching, lay down an inch of wood ashes, if you have them. During
the growing season, side-dress with a little balanced fertilizer or feed with a fish-and-
seaweed product.
How to Harvest
The peas form quickly and in tremendous quantity; I've never known a more prolific
vegetable. It's important to pick pods while they're still immature. If you let any go to
 
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