When to Plant Peas in Marshall County, KY
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.
Marshall County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 212 days.
At an elevation of 1,550 feet, Marshall County receives approximately 42.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.
Marshall County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Marshall County
How your county's soil matches Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Peas's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Marshall County is excellent for Peas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Peas.
How to Plant Peas
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Peas
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 23.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Peas
Peas needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Peas Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Marshall County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Peas Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Peas Planting Timeline — Marshall County, KY
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
55–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
212 days in Marshall County
Growing Tips for Peas in Marshall County
Direct sow Peas outdoors after April 03 in Marshall County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Peas in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow as early as soil can be worked in spring. Inoculate seeds with rhizobium for best nitrogen fixation. Provide trellising for climbing varieties.
Recommended Peas Varieties for Marshall County
Heat-tolerant peas — plant very early or as fall crop
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Very easy to save. Self-pollinating means varieties stay true.
Peas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Peas in Marshall County, KY?
Marshall County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marshall County, KY?
Marshall County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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