[JayG]

Despite having to release what wanted to be 6'+ sugarsnap pea plants from 4' 6" high plastic netting (no instructions on the packet, honest!) I had a really good crop this year but they are now well past their best.

Many of the pods are much too full and old to eat; is it worth saving the seeds for next year and if so just how long should they be left on the plant? (Some of the oldest pods are just starting to turn yellow.)

[DD.]

Have a look at this & scroll down to "Peas".

http://www.realseeds.co.uk/seedsavinginfo.html

[robbodaveuk]

Many of the pods are much too full and old to eat;

I tried my sugar snap peas when they were the right size but was disappointed with the taste, nowhere near as sweet and tasty as I had expected. So I decided to leave them and let them fill out. The pods I am picking now are quite big with half developed peas and they are much tastier and juicier.

  Robbo.

[JayG]

Thanks DD: good website!

Robbo; sounds like the "right size" was the wrong size! You are supposed to eat them when the pods are partially filled out; it's mangetout which you pick whilst still flat.

(Makes sugarsnaps quite versatile because if you leave them too long you can shell and eat just like regular peas!)