When to Plant Peas in Lauderdale 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.
Lauderdale County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 233 days.
At an elevation of 180 feet, Lauderdale County receives approximately 56.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°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.
Lauderdale County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.8
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 — Lauderdale County, MS
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Direct Sow | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 30 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jul 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 8a
Growing Season
233 days
Growing Tips for Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County, MS?
Lauderdale County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lauderdale County, MS?
Lauderdale County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lauderdale County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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