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When to Plant Peas in Crenshaw County, AL

Peas are a cool-season legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. Garden peas are shelled, while snap and snow peas are eaten pod and all.

Crenshaw County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.

At an elevation of 132 feet, Crenshaw County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Peas, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Peas root diseases.

Crenshaw County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
246 days
Last Spring Frost March 12
246 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Crenshaw County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (133 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 30 Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: May 1 – Jun 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: May 7 – Jul 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (131 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 25 Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: May 27 – Jul 22

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 160 gal / 100 sq ft
Peas needs ~1,094 GDD — county provides 4,305 GDD Excellent fit

Peas Planting Timeline โ€” Crenshaw County, AL

Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 โ€“ Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Mar 26
Direct Sow February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 19
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 โ€“ Sep 18
Harvest May 7 May 7 โ€“ Jul 2

Plant 1" deep ยท 4" apart ยท Rows 18" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

55โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

246 days

Growing Tips for Crenshaw County

Direct sow as early as soil can be worked in spring. Inoculate seeds with rhizobium for best nitrogen fixation. Provide trellising for climbing varieties.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

๐ŸŒพ Save Your Own Peas Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Let pods dry brown and papery on the vine.
Storage Store airtight; viable 3 years at 35ยฐF, under 45% humidity.

Very easy to save. Self-pollinating means varieties stay true.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Peas in Crenshaw County, AL?

Crenshaw County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Crenshaw County, AL?

Crenshaw County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 13.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Crenshaw County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Crenshaw County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.