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Snap Pea Companion Planting

Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon

Legume (Fabaceae) -- cool season

2 beneficial companions
1 antagonistic relationship

Good Companions for Snap Pea

TurnipBrassica rapa subsp. rapa
BeneficialNutrient SharingSupported

Pea nitrogen fixation benefits turnip growth. Both are cool-season crops. Pea vines provide light shade that moderates soil temperature for turnip root development.

Sow together in early spring. Harvest turnip greens while peas establish, then harvest turnip roots.

Sources
  • Intercropping legumes and vegetables for nutrient management -- HortTechnology (2009)
CarrotDaucus carota subsp. sativus
BeneficialNutrient SharingSupported

Pea roots fix nitrogen that benefits subsequent carrot growth. Both are cool-season crops with compatible growing conditions. Pea vines provide light shade that benefits carrot seedling establishment.

Sow together in early spring. Carrots continue growing after peas are harvested.

Sources
  • Intercropping legumes and vegetables for nutrient management -- HortTechnology (2009)
  • Soil fertility benefits of legume cover crops and intercrops -- USDA SARE Technical Bulletin (2012)

Crops to Avoid Near Snap Pea

GarlicAllium sativum
AntagonisticAllelopathySupported

Garlic organosulfur compounds inhibit Rhizobium bacteria that form nitrogen-fixing nodules on pea roots, reducing the primary agronomic benefit of pea cultivation.

Applies to all pea types (snap, shelling, snow) and all alliums.

Sources
  • Allelopathic effects of Allium species on legume Rhizobium symbiosis -- Plant and Soil (1996)