When to Plant Peas in Zone 6 for a Successful Crop
Peas are a cool-season vegetable that can grow in zones 3–10. This means that gardeners in zone 6 can grow them. Zone 6 is a big part of the country, going from Oregon to Massachusetts and down to Tennessee. This zone has mild winters and warm, humid summers. Knowing the best time to plant peas will help you get a big harvest.
When to Plant Peas
Peas prefer cool temperatures and should be planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. The best time to plant is 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. The last frost dates for zone 6 are between March 15th and May 15th depending on your exact location.
For an early spring crop, plant peas in late February or March. You can continue planting peas every 2-3 weeks until late May for a continuous harvest. Late plantings in June will still produce peas before the weather gets too warm, but yields will be lower.
If you want to plant a fall crop of peas, sow seeds 8-10 weeks before the first expected fall frost. In zone 6, aim for late July or early August for a fall harvest.
Choosing a Pea Variety
There are many types of peas that do well in zone 6, but pick ones that mature quickly so they can produce before the temperatures rise. Here are some top pea varieties for zone 6:
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Little Marvel is a bush pea that grows small and is ready to eat in 62 days. Produces heavy yields of 3-4” pods.
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Sweet, crisp pods of Sugar Ann sugar snap peas are ready in just 55 days. Grows 24-30” tall.
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Oregon Sugar Pod II – an early sugar snap pea that’s ready for harvest in 60 days. Prolific producer.
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Cascadia – a disease-resistant snap pea that matures in 55 days. Best for fall crops.
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Lincoln – a heat-tolerant shelling pea perfect for late spring plantings. Matures in 67 days.
Starting Peas from Seed
Peas can be directly sown into the garden or started indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Starting indoors will give plants an early boost but isn’t required.
To start seeds indoors, plant pea seeds 1” deep in small containers or cells using seed starting mix. Keep soil moist and provide plenty of light. Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors after danger of frost. Take care not to disturb roots when transplanting.
Planting Peas in the Garden
Peas prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. Before planting, work 2-3” of compost into soil to enrich it. Peas are heavy feeders that benefit from compost or fertilizer to produce their best yield.
Direct sow pea seeds 1-2” deep and 1-2” apart in rows spaced 24-30” apart. Water soil after planting and provide trellising or fencing for vines to climb once they emerge. Pea seedlings may take 14-21 days to emerge from soil.
Ongoing Pea Care
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Water – Consistent moisture is key, providing 1-2” per week. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep soil moist but not saturated.
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Fertilizing – Applying a balanced fertilizer when plants emerge and again when blossoms appear will support strong plants. Fish emulsion is a good organic option.
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Support – Install trellises, fences or poles after plants emerge for vines to climb. This improves yields and prevents disease.
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Weeding – Keep area around peas free of weeds which compete for nutrients. Mulch also helps suppress weeds.
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Pests – Watch for aphids, slugs, snails and other pests. Remove by hand or use organic methods if necessary.
When to Harvest Peas
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Snap peas – Ready to pick once pods swell and are crisp. Pick often to encourage more pod production.
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Snow peas – Best when pods are flat before seeds mature. Pods should be crisp and bright.
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Shelling peas – Allow pods to fill out until plump and bright green. Pick once peas inside reach full size.
Check pea pods frequently once flowering starts, harvesting every 2-3 days. Use scissors to clip pods from vines carefully without damaging plant. Peas quickly lose sweetness once picked, so try to harvest and consume immediately for best flavor.
With the right planting time and care, growing peas in zone 6 can result in a delicious early spring or fall crop. Just be sure to pick varieties suited to your climate and tend plants diligently. Pay close attention as harvest time approaches to enjoy peas at their peak flavor, texture and nutritional quality. The effort pays off with the sweet reward of fresh garden peas.
Keep your garden growing – see what to plant right now Set your
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | P | P |
(Best months for growing Peas in USA – Zone 6b regions)
- P = Sow seed
- Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Plant the seeds about three times as deep as they are wide. Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 24°C. (Show °F/in) .
- Space plants: 5 – 8 cm apart
- Harvest in 9-11 weeks. Pick the pods every day to increase production.
- Compatible with (can grow beside): Potatoes
Peas are best grown in cooler seasons. Peas need some support when growing, tree prunings with lots of small twigs are a cheap and handy source. Or else strings between posts or wire netting. Peas need tying in the early stages, until they start producing tendrils and clinging to the support.
Some pea varieties are called dwarf but to make harvesting easier it is a good idea to support the plants.
Pick pea pods while young and pick them often to keep them producing.
Get a Head Start on Peas- Which Planting Method Works Best?
FAQ
What is the best month to plant peas?
You can start peas off indoors in February or March, but wait until April to direct sow outside, or plant seedlings that you might have bought. May 24, 2021.
What should not be planted next to peas?
Onions, garlic, leeks, and shallots can stunt the growth of plants like pole beans and peas. You also don’t want to plant onions, garlic, leeks, and shallots near each other because if one crop comes down with pests (onion maggots) the rest will also fall victim, like a bad case of head lice.
Can you plant peas too early?
It’s a fine line: if you plant peas too early, they might rot; if you wait until the soil is sure to be dry, they might get too hot near harvest time and not grow well or at all;
What temperature do you plant peas?
How to plant and grow peas: You can plant pea seeds directly in the garden as long as the soil is above 60°F. If you have slugs and snails in your garden, you might want to buy seedlings that are not as soft and simple to damage by their strong but soft mouths.
When should I plant peas?
Companion Plant Recommendations: Beets, carrots, lettuce, and kohlrabi (all suitable for September planting). Estimated time to harvest: 180-210 days (next spring) Peas are a cool-season crop, and planting in August and September can yield a bountiful harvest in late fall. Sow: Outdoors When to plant Peas: Early September
Can peas grow in cold weather?
Peas thrive in a moderate climate with temperatures ranging from 55°F to 65°F. They’re cool-season crops and can tolerate light frosts, making them suitable for early spring or late fall planting in many regions. Longer daylight hours increase flowering, while too much heat during flowering may hinder pod development.
Can you plant fall peas in Zone 6?
For germinating and planting fall peas in Zone 6, follow proper seed sowing techniques and ensure support through transplanting. Planting fall peas works best when seeds are soaked overnight in water to speed up germination. Optimal soil temperature ranges from 45°F to 55°F. Since soil can be too warm after summer, use containers if necessary.