Q&A: Do my sugar snap peas need to be tied to the trellis?
It’s a common question when those first delicate pea shoots start reaching skyward: do sugar snap peas need to be tied to the trellis, or will they find their own way? The answer depends on your variety of peas, your trellis design, and how they’re growing.
Understanding Pea Varieties
First, check your variety. Most sugar snap peas are climbing peas, also called pole peas, which send out tendrils that naturally latch onto a support. But there are also bush varieties that stay relatively compact, often only needing a short fence or low netting to keep them upright. If your seed packet describes them as “vining” or growing taller than about 3 feet, they’ll need a trellis.
Trellis Types and Tendril Behavior
Sugar snap peas have thin, curling tendrils that instinctively wrap around whatever they touch. A trellis made from netting, wire fencing, or twine with gaps no larger than 2 inches is ideal. If the trellis is too wide or smooth, they might struggle to cling on their own.
When to Give Them a Helping Hand
If your peas are looking lost or flopping over rather than climbing, it’s time to intervene. Here’s how to guide them:
Loosely Tie with Twine: Use soft garden twine or strips of fabric to gently secure the vine to the trellis. Leave space so the vine isn’t constricted.
Create More Support: Run additional string horizontally across large gaps in your trellis, giving the tendrils something to latch onto.
Train with Patience: Once the tendrils grasp onto the trellis, they’ll usually keep climbing on their own. Check on them every few days and assist if needed.
Benefits of a Strong Climb
Encouraging your sugar snap peas to grow vertically isn’t just about aesthetics. A well-supported plant:
Maximizes Space: Vertical growth makes the most of your garden footprint.
Promotes Airflow: Good circulation reduces disease risk.
Boosts Yield: Easier access to sunlight means better growth and more pods.
Simplifies Harvesting: Peas hanging from a trellis are much easier to see and pick.
Whether your sugar snap peas need tying or not, they’ll thank you for a little guidance in their early days. Once they find their grip, they’ll climb confidently and reward you with crisp, sweet pods. So, check in on those vines and give them a little nudge in the right direction—they’ll do the rest!
