October 2021: Sugar Snap Peas

Blog by the Garden Center Team

This month's seed kit features Sugar Peas (Pisum sativum). To support our environment, some seed kit materials are now available digitally.

Sugar Ann snap pea is an early maturing dwarf variety. No staking required. The large edible pods are sweet and crisp. Matures in about 55-60 days.

Planting Instructions

• Culture: Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in early to late spring after last frost or sow seeds in fall 8-10 weeks before first frost date. No need for trellising because vine reaches 2' in height.
• Water: Keep soil moist. Heavy watering during flowering can interfere with pollination. Fertilize as needed with a balanced fertilizer. Too much nitrogen will produce lush foliage and result in poor flowering and fruiting.
• Harvest: Pick sugar peas when pods begin to swell.

More about Sugar Ann Snap Pea

Did you know: Peas are members of the legume family and related to beans, lentils, and peanuts. Dried peas have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and are known to have been eaten by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Peas with an edible pod, such as snow peas and snap peas, were developed by the Dutch and English in the early 1600's. The delicious Sugar Snap Pea was developed in the late 1600's, but only became commercially available in the late 1970's. High in protein and fiber, peas are an excellent addition to the diet.

Did you know: Peas are members of the legume family and related to beans, lentils, and peanuts. Dried peas have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and are known to have been eaten by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Peas with an edible pod, such as snow peas and snap peas, were developed by the Dutch and English in the early 1600's. The delicious Sugar Snap Pea was developed in the late 1600's, but only became commercially available in the late 1970's. High in protein and fiber, peas are an excellent addition to the diet.

Recipe: Pea and Mint Soup

• Serves: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion – diced
• 2 cloves garlic – minced
• 2 Tbsp butter or olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 5 cups fresh shelled peas or frozen peas thawed
• 1/2 cup mint leaves chopped
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• Optional crème fraiche, sour cream, or yogurt

Instructions:

1. In a large pan or stock pot, over medium heat, add butter or olive oil, garlic and onions, stirring often; cook until translucent (About 5 minutes).
2. Add peas, mint and broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender (About 8 – 10 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and either transfer to a blender or use an immersion blender. Pulse the blender to puree until smooth. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
4. Optional: Top with a dollop of crème fraiche, sour cream, or yogurt. Can be serve hot or chilled.

Craft: Seed Tape

You'll need:

• Newspaper, cut into 2" strips
• Seeds
• Scissors, Ruler, Marker
• Bowl and spoon
• Paintbrush
• 1 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp Water
• Paper clips

Instructions:

1. Label the end of your strip with the seed type and plant depth instructions.
2. Mix flour and water together in your bowl. You want to get a consistency similar to regular glue. Add more flour or water as needed.
3. Using a ruler and marker, measure how far apart your seeds should be planted (check your seed packet for information) and mark out the intervals on the newspaper.
4. Put some glue onto each mark you just made with a brush. The glue should be thin enough to see the marks you made.
5. Add a seed to each mark. Let dry completely (~24 hours).
6. When dry, roll up the strips (with plant information facing out) and clip with a paperclip. Store in a cool, dark place until ready to plant. Unroll and plant!