S
Stephen Albert
Guest
Timing is everything when planting peas. As a lifelong gardener, I’ve learned that peas thrive in cool weather and struggle once temperatures climb. Knowing the ideal planting window for your USDA hardiness zone ensures strong germination and a bountiful harvest. Here’s a zone-by-zone guide to help you plant peas at the perfect time.
Spring: Sow outdoors mid-April to early May as soon as soil is workable.
Fall: Plant mid-July to early August for a late harvest before hard frost.
Spring: Plant mid-April to mid-May, when soil reaches 40°F.
Fall: Sow in early August for a September harvest.
Spring: Plant late March to mid-April as soon as soil can be worked.
Fall: Sow in late July to early August.
Spring: Plant mid-March to early April.
Fall: Sow in early to mid-August for a September–October harvest.
Spring: Plant late February to mid-March.
Fall: Sow late August to early September.
Spring: Plant mid-February to early March.
Fall: Sow early September to mid-October for a late fall crop.
Spring: Plant January to February while temperatures are cool.
Fall/Winter: Sow October to November for winter harvests.
Winter/Spring: Plant October to January for winter and early spring harvests. Avoid hot months.
Winter: Sow October to December when temperatures are mild. Avoid hot summers entirely.
In my Sonoma Valley (Zone 9) garden, I plant peas as early as January for spring crops and again in late October for a winter harvest. To ensure success, use a soil thermometer—peas germinate best when soil is 40–75°F.
Planting peas by USDA zone ensures you hit the sweet spot for cool-season growth, giving you healthier plants and bigger yields.
The post When to Plant Peas by USDA Zone appeared first on Harvest to Table.
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USDA Zone 3
Spring: Sow outdoors mid-April to early May as soon as soil is workable.
Fall: Plant mid-July to early August for a late harvest before hard frost.
USDA Zone 4
Spring: Plant mid-April to mid-May, when soil reaches 40°F.
Fall: Sow in early August for a September harvest.
USDA Zone 5
Spring: Plant late March to mid-April as soon as soil can be worked.
Fall: Sow in late July to early August.
USDA Zone 6
Spring: Plant mid-March to early April.
Fall: Sow in early to mid-August for a September–October harvest.
USDA Zone 7
Spring: Plant late February to mid-March.
Fall: Sow late August to early September.
USDA Zone 8
Spring: Plant mid-February to early March.
Fall: Sow early September to mid-October for a late fall crop.
USDA Zone 9
Spring: Plant January to February while temperatures are cool.
Fall/Winter: Sow October to November for winter harvests.
USDA Zone 10
Winter/Spring: Plant October to January for winter and early spring harvests. Avoid hot months.
USDA Zone 11
Winter: Sow October to December when temperatures are mild. Avoid hot summers entirely.
My Experience and Tips
In my Sonoma Valley (Zone 9) garden, I plant peas as early as January for spring crops and again in late October for a winter harvest. To ensure success, use a soil thermometer—peas germinate best when soil is 40–75°F.
Extra Tips for All Zones
- Soil Prep: Work in compost for fertility and good drainage.
- Support: Install trellises or stakes at planting time.
- Inoculate: Use pea inoculant in new beds to boost nitrogen fixation.
Planting peas by USDA zone ensures you hit the sweet spot for cool-season growth, giving you healthier plants and bigger yields.
The post When to Plant Peas by USDA Zone appeared first on Harvest to Table.
Continue reading...