When you can see peas the size that you prefer in the pods, definitely before the pods lose their smooth shell and go rough, if in doubt open a pod and taste the peas, the ripe pods do come off the plant with a pop when they are perfect.
When you've had all you think you'll have from this crop, if you're happy with the variety, carefully examine the vines as you dismantle the row to see if you've missed any pods. In all likelihood, they'll be far too far gone to eat but, if you place the pods on a tray to dry, once they're brown shell them and keep the contents to provide next year's seed. They must be kept dry until needed, and the best place I've found is on the floor of the airing cupboard/hot press, either on a tray or in a paper bag - not plastic or they'll 'sweat'.
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