When to Plant Peas in Franklin County, MA
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.
Franklin County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 1,016 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 42.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Peas Planting Timeline — Franklin County, MA
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
55–70 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
155 days
Growing Tips for Franklin 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
Level Up Your Garden
Very easy to save. Self-pollinating means varieties stay true.
Peas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Peas in Franklin County, MA?
Franklin County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, MA?
Franklin County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Franklin County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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