Do sugar snap peas like sun or shade?

Sugar snap peas are a popular choice for many gardeners, and one of the key factors in their success is the amount of sunlight they receive. These plants thrive in areas with at least six hours of sun per day. However, they can also tolerate some shade, making them a versatile addition to any garden.

In my own experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have found that sugar snap peas can actually do quite well in areas that receive morning and late afternoon sun, with shade during the hottest part of the day. This is because peas are cool-season crops and can tolerate cooler temperatures, especially during the early growth stages.

The morning sun provides a good amount of light and warmth to kickstart the photosynthesis process, allowing the plants to produce energy and grow. The late afternoon sun helps to extend the amount of sunlight exposure, ensuring that the plants receive enough light throughout the day. This combination of morning and late afternoon sun can be beneficial for the overall health and productivity of sugar snap peas.

The shade during the early afternoon can also be advantageous for sugar snap peas. This break from direct sunlight helps to prevent the plants from overheating and reduces the risk of sunburn or dehydration. Additionally, shade can help to moderate soil temperatures, keeping the roots cool and preventing stress on the plants.

It’s important to note that while sugar snap peas can tolerate some shade, they still require a minimum of six hours of sunlight to thrive. If your garden receives less than this, it may be necessary to find a different location or consider alternative crops that are more suited to shade.

Sugar snap peas prefer areas with at least six hours of sun per day. However, they can still grow and thrive in areas with morning and late afternoon sun, along with some shade during the early afternoon. This combination of sunlight and shade can provide the ideal growing conditions for sugar snap peas, resulting in healthy plants and a bountiful harvest.

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Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.