Pisum sativum

Snow pea pod

Correctly known as Pisum sativum Macrocarpon Group, the snow pea is sometimes known as mangetout ('eat all') as the whole pod can be consumed. They are a winter to early spring crop and are useful in salads and stir-fries, or used as a crudite with dips. As with most legumes, snow peas play host to beneficial bacteria in their root nodules that 'fix' nitrogen in the soil, making them a good companion plant to leafy vegetables that like a high level of nitrogen in the soil.

Snow peas are best grown from seed planted 2 cm deep around March or April, into friable soil that has been enriched with compost and given a dusting of garden lime a few weeks beforehand. A sunny spot with a trellis or teepee structure for the plants to cling to is required. The seeds are a bit prone to rotting so it's best not to plant them during a rainy spell. They will germinate in about 10 days.

Once the seedlings are about 5 to 10 cm tall, start watering them regularly and apply weak applications of a soluble fertiliser. Protect the young plants from slugs and snails with eco-friendly pellets. Powdery mildew can be a problem: to avoid it, water only the soil and try not to get the leaves wet. If the disease does occur, try spraying the foliage with a mixture of one part milk to nine parts water.

The plants grow quickly once they get going and the pods can be picked when they are about 5 cm long (around 10 weeks after planting the seeds). They are at their best just after picking, so just harvest the amount you need at any one time. The plants will continue to crop as long as you keep picking the pods, until the weather becomes too warm for their liking.

Snow pea sprouts

Snow pea sprouts

Seeds of snow peas sold for sprouting can be grown as a micro-green crop on windowsills as pictured. These make a tasty addition to a salad or sandwich. or used as a garnish. Just follow the instructions on the seed packet. The seedlings will keep growing for a while after the tops are snipped off for use, giving a further crop.

Sugar snap pea pod

Sugar snap pea pod

Sugar snap peas are classed under the same botanical name as snow peas. Sugar snap peas are also eaten whole, but the pod is rounded and the walls of the pod are thicker than with snow peas. Cultivation and culinary use are exactly the same as for snow peas.