Sugar snap peas are cool-season vegetables prized for their crisp, sweet, edible pods. To achieve a high yield of healthy, straight pods, these plants require vertical support from the moment they begin to grow. Providing a structure for the vines to climb is the most effective way to encourage maximum production and maintain plant health. Vertical growth prevents the vines from sprawling on the ground, which keeps the pods clean and improves air circulation around the foliage.
Understanding Sugar Snap Pea Growth Habits
Sugar snap peas are categorized into two growth types: vining and bush varieties. Vining types are the most common and are the focus of vertical support, as they can rapidly reach heights between six and eight feet in a single season. These tall varieties naturally seek upward growth using specialized, thin structures called tendrils. Tendrils function by wrapping tightly around any slender support they encounter, anchoring the plant as it extends toward the light.
Bush varieties, like ‘Sugar Ann,’ are shorter, generally growing only two to three feet tall, but they require support to keep them upright. Without a structure, the weight of the developing peas causes the vines to collapse, creating a dense, tangled mat. This sprawling growth increases the risk of fungal diseases because leaves and pods remain damp for longer periods. The support system should be installed at the time of planting or when seedlings are only a few inches high to prevent damage to the delicate roots later on.
Selecting the Best Support Materials
The choice of support material depends on the available garden space, the length of the pea row, and the gardener’s preference for aesthetics and cost. Trellis netting (flexible plastic or natural twine) is an economical and practical option. It provides a dense grid for the tendrils to grasp, but the lightweight material can sometimes lead to vines becoming entangled, making harvest slightly more difficult.
Sturdy structures like cattle or hog panels offer a robust, long-term solution, particularly for supporting long rows of peas. These heavy-gauge wire panels, often five feet tall or more, are durable and reusable for many seasons. For smaller spaces or a more decorative look, a teepee structure built from bamboo poles or wooden stakes works well. String or twine can be crisscrossed between the stakes to create the necessary vertical plane for the peas to climb.
Regardless of the material chosen, the grid size should be no less than one inch square to allow the plant’s tendrils a purchase point. Tendrils can only wrap around objects less than approximately a quarter-inch thick, making thin string, twine, or fine mesh the most effective surfaces for climbing.
Installation and Vine Training Techniques
Proper installation requires ensuring the structure is firmly anchored in the ground to withstand the substantial weight of a mature, heavily producing vine. For panels and tall trellises, burying the support posts deep into the soil or securing them with T-posts prevents them from leaning or blowing over in strong winds. The structure’s height should accommodate the full growth potential of the vining variety, often six to eight feet, to prevent the vines from growing back down once they reach the top.
Once the support is stable, the earliest vines may need gentle initial guidance toward the surface. While pea tendrils are designed to climb independently, a young sprout sometimes needs to be lightly wrapped around the nearest support string or mesh opening. This minimal intervention ensures the plant expends its energy on vertical growth rather than searching for a climbing surface. A loose loop of soft twine can also be used to secure a wayward vine to the structure.
Throughout the growing season, a periodic check of the vines is beneficial to manage any lateral growth. Vines that fall away from the support or begin growing sideways should be carefully lifted and directed back onto the trellis. This simple training maintains good air circulation, which is a factor in mitigating common pea ailments like powdery mildew. By keeping the vines contained and vertical, the plant is encouraged to prioritize pod production, leading to a higher and cleaner harvest.