How to Grow Snap Peas in a Topsy Turvy

Snap peas can be grown throughout most of the United States.

The Topsy Turvy planter was originally intended for growing tomatoes in a limited space, but the design has since expanded to include strawberries, hot peppers and herbs. Although the Topsy Turvy manufacturer hasn't suggested the use of its product for growing snap peas, gardeners have successfully used the planter to grow a variety of garden staples, including berries, flowers and small vegetables, such as miniature eggplants.

Things You'll Need

• Trellis or pole
• Garden scoop

Instructions

1. Find an area that will support the hanging Topsy Turvy planter while allowing full sun to reach the snap peas. If you have a place to install a hook, garden centers sell affordable and attractive plant hangers; stand-alone plant hangers are also convenient and can carry more than one planter.

2. Remove the lid of the Topsy Turvy planter, and then remove the small split sponge tucked in the collar of the hole where the seedling will be inserted; depending on the size of your planter, it will have one or more planting holes.

3. Remove the snap pea seedling from its container carefully, taking care not to damage the roots and keeping as much of the original soil intact as possible.

4. Insert the seedling into the planting hole root-end first, from the outside.

5. Split the sponge open, reach into the planter and very gently enclose the sponge around the stem. Reinsert the sponge into the collar, securing the seedling. Repeat Steps 2 to 5 for each planting hole and seedling.

6. Hang the planter in the designated area. It's important to hang the planter before filling it with soil to avoid accidentally crushing the seedlings. Gently pour soil into the planter with a garden scoop, filling it up to 2 inches from the top. Don't pack it in or press it down; the soil should support the seedling and root system rather than weigh it down.

7. Replace the lid, and then water the seedlings very slowly. A gallon of water is recommended over a span of 20 minutes.

8. Place the trellis or pole nearby to support the growing snap pea vines. Snap peas are climbers, and any tall post will relieve some of the stress on the plants as they grow in a planter.

Tips & Warnings

• Snap peas are cool weather plants and should be planted in early spring or fall for best results.

• Mix compost and an all-purpose fertilizer into the soil before planting to help nourish your snap peas throughout the season.

References

• Felknor Ventures: Topsy Turvy Instructions
• Ohio State University Extension: Growing Peas and Snap Beans in the Home Garden

Resources

• University of Illinois Extension: Peas