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When to Plant Peas in Newton County, IN

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.

Newton County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.

At an elevation of 1,044 feet, Newton County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.

Newton County, IN (Zone 5b) Moderate season
171 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
171 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Newton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (60 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Jun 13 – Aug 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (59 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Aug 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (58 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 5 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Aug 30

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 549 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Peas needs ~906 GDD — county provides 2,479 GDD Excellent fit

Peas Planting Timeline โ€” Newton County, IN

Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 2
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 7
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 30
Fall Sowing August 2 Aug 2 โ€“ Aug 16
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 โ€“ Aug 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September โ€”
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 5b

Growing Season

171 days

Growing Tips for Newton 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 Newton County, IN?

Newton County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Newton County, IN?

Newton County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 11.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Newton County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Newton County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.