KJFM NEWS –  Garden Talk is produced monthly at the Adair County University of Missouri Extension Center in Kirksville, Mo.

Sugar snap peas thrive in cool, damp weather, making them an ideal candidate for early spring planting. In mild climates, they can also be planted for a fall harvest, but spring plantings generally yield more. Plant peas soon as possible in early spring, once the soil temperature reaches at least 45 degrees. They will need a trellis which makes harvesting easier. Insert it before planting the seed.

Apply a 2-inch-thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw, grass clippings, or compost, when plants are 6 inches tall. Mulch helps soil retain moisture, keeps the soil cool, and suppresses weeds. Hand pulling weeds is probably the best option of control. Watering is critical from the appearance of the first flower until harvest. Peas need consistent moisture to develop full, flavorful pods.

Harvest snap peas when pods are flat and 2-3 inches in length. If picked at the right time, the whole pod can be eaten. If pods are chewy and tough, they’ve been left on vines too long. In this case, shell the peas and compost the pods. Peas will produce as long as vines are healthy and temperatures stay cool. Once the temperature reaches the 80s, pea season is over. This is usually by mid to late June in northern Missouri. To freeze sugar snap peas, simply place them into plastic freezer bags, label the bag with the contents and date, and freeze.