When to Plant Peas in DeSoto County, MS
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.
DeSoto County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 111 feet, DeSoto County receives approximately 55.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season. 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.
DeSoto County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
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 — DeSoto County, MS
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
55–70 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
218 days
Growing Tips for DeSoto 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 DeSoto County, MS?
DeSoto County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is DeSoto County, MS?
DeSoto County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help DeSoto County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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