What grows well next to snow peas?

Answered by Phillip Nicastro

When it comes to planting companions for snow peas, there are a few options that work well together. One popular choice is to plant carrots alongside snow peas. Both carrots and snow peas thrive in cooler temperatures and moist conditions, making them a great pairing. Plus, the tall snow pea plants can provide some shade for the carrots, which can help to keep the soil cooler and prevent the carrots from drying out.

Another compatible companion for snow peas is radishes. Radishes love the nitrogen that peas add to the soil, and they also help to break up the soil for the snow peas. Plus, radishes tend to mature quickly, so you can harvest them before the snow peas really start to take off. This allows you to make the most of the space in your garden and maximize your harvest.

If you’re looking to make the most of your vertical space, consider planting snow peas alongside corn. Snow peas love to climb, and they will happily pull themselves up the corn stalks. This not only saves space in your garden but also creates a visually interesting combination. Just be sure to plant the corn first and then add the snow peas a few weeks later, as corn can grow quite tall and may shade out the snow peas if they are planted at the same time.

In addition to these specific companion plants, it’s important to consider the overall needs and preferences of snow peas. They prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade, so be mindful of where you plant them in relation to other taller plants that may cast shade. Snow peas also prefer well-drained soil, so be sure to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.

In terms of spacing, snow peas should be planted about 2-4 inches apart in rows that are about 18-24 inches apart. This allows for good air circulation and helps to prevent diseases. It’s also a good idea to provide some support for the snow pea plants, such as a trellis or stakes, to help them climb and keep the pea pods off the ground.

Snow peas have a few great planting companions that can help them thrive in the garden. Carrots, radishes, and corn all make excellent companions for snow peas, providing benefits such as shade, nitrogen fixation, and vertical growing support. By considering these companion plants and following proper spacing and support guidelines, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of snow peas in your garden.