Sugar snap peas are a popular cool-season vegetable that can be easily grown in most parts of Australia. Here are some general steps to help you grow sugar snap peas in Australia:
Choose the right location: Sugar snap peas need a location with plenty of sun and good drainage. They also prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
Prepare the soil: Prepare the soil by digging in some compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and texture. This will also help to retain moisture in the soil.
Plant the seeds: Plant the sugar snap pea seeds in early autumn or early spring, depending on your location. Sow the seeds about 3-4cm deep and 5-7cm apart. Water the seeds thoroughly after planting.
Support the plants: Sugar snap peas are climbing plants that need support as they grow. You can use trellises, stakes, or wire mesh to support the plants. Place the supports in the soil at the time of planting to avoid damaging the roots later.
Water and fertilise: Keep the soil moist by watering the plants regularly. A deep watering once a week is usually sufficient, but you may need to water more often during hot, dry weather. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertiliser once a month to encourage healthy growth.
Harvest: Sugar snap peas are ready to harvest when the pods are plump and crisp. Pick the pods frequently to encourage more growth. Sugar snap peas are best eaten fresh, but they can also be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
The harvest time of sugar snap peas can vary depending on the climate, soil conditions, and planting time. In general, sugar snap peas are ready to harvest about 60-70 days after planting. However, this can be accelerated or delayed depending on the temperature and weather conditions in your area.
You can tell when sugar snap peas are ready to harvest by looking for plump, crisp pods that are about 7-10cm long. The peas inside the pods should be fully formed but still tender. It's important to harvest sugar snap peas regularly to encourage more growth, as the plants will stop producing new pods if the existing ones are left on the plant for too long.
In most areas of Australia, sugar snap peas are typically planted in autumn or early spring and are ready to harvest from late winter to early spring (for autumn plantings) or from late spring to early summer (for spring plantings). However, this can vary depending on your location, so it's a good idea to monitor your plants closely and harvest them when the pods are mature and crisp.
With these steps, you should be able to successfully grow sugar snap peas in your Australian garden. Good luck!