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When to Plant Peas in Lee County, GA

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.

Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 432 feet, Lee County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, 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.

Lee County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (144 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 24 Transplant: Feb 28 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – Jun 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (144 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: May 2 – Jun 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (140 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
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Peas needs ~1,375 GDD — county provides 5,632 GDD Excellent fit

Peas Planting Timeline โ€” Lee County, GA

Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 31 Jan 31 โ€“ Feb 14
Transplant Outdoors March 7 Mar 7 โ€“ Mar 21
Direct Sow February 21 Feb 21 โ€“ Mar 14
Fall Sowing September 9 Sep 9 โ€“ Sep 23
Harvest May 2 May 2 โ€“ Jun 27

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 โ€”
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

256 days

Growing Tips for Lee 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 Lee County, GA?

Lee County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, GA?

Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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