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When to Plant Peas in Escambia 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.

Escambia County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 263 days.

At an elevation of 229 feet, Escambia County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Peas may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Escambia County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
263 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
263 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Escambia County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (155 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 17 Transplant: Feb 21 🍅 Harvest: Apr 18 – Jun 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (151 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 28 Transplant: Mar 4 🍅 Harvest: Apr 29 – Jun 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (147 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 19 Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: May 21 – Jul 16

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
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 360 gal / 100 sq ft
Peas needs ~1,328 GDD — county provides 5,588 GDD Excellent fit

Peas Planting Timeline โ€” Escambia County, AL

Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 28 Jan 28 โ€“ Feb 11
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 โ€“ Mar 18
Direct Sow February 18 Feb 18 โ€“ Mar 11
Fall Sowing September 13 Sep 13 โ€“ Sep 27
Harvest April 29 Apr 29 โ€“ Jun 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
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

263 days

Growing Tips for Escambia 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 Escambia County, AL?

Escambia County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Escambia County, AL?

Escambia County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Escambia 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 Escambia County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.