It’s mid-late summer in my garden, the first signs of life in my new snow pea planter bed! I’m excited to share this project with you all, from construction to the first green shoots.

Building the Bed: I decided to create a raised planter bed specifically for snow peas this year. I constructed a bed that would give my peas plenty of room to spread their roots. The raised design helps with drainage and makes tending to the plants a bit easier on my back.

Preparing for Climbers: Snow peas are vigorous climbers, so I knew I needed a sturdy support system. I built a frame using (see video) that extends about five feet above the bed. This should give the peas plenty of vertical space to grow.

Planting and First Growth: About two weeks ago, I sowed the snow pea seeds directly into the bed. I made sure to space them according to the packet instructions and kept the soil consistently moist. The anticipation has been building, and just yesterday, I spotted the first green shoots pushing through the soil!

Supporting the Climbers: To help guide the young plants, I’ve run lines from the soil surface up to the frame. I used garden twine for this. As the peas grow, they’ll naturally wrap their tendrils around these lines, climbing upwards towards the sun.

Next Steps: Now it’s a waiting game as I watch these little seedlings grow into productive plants. I’ll be keeping an eye on soil moisture, watching for any pests, and enjoying the process of nurturing these peas from sprout to harvest.