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When to Plant Peas in Carson City, NV

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.

Carson City, Nevada is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.

At an elevation of 2,716 feet, Carson City receives approximately 8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, so Peas may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Peas will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Peas successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Carson City, NV (Zone 7a) Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
151 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Carson City Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.1-8.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (43 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Aug 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (39 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 7 Transplant: May 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Sep 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (30 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 2 Transplant: Jun 6 🍅 Harvest: Aug 1 – Sep 26

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
0.2″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,254 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Peas needs ~1,469 GDD — county provides 3,548 GDD Excellent fit

Peas Planting Timeline โ€” Carson City, NV

Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 7 Apr 7 โ€“ Apr 21
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 โ€“ May 26
Direct Sow April 28 Apr 28 โ€“ May 19
Fall Sowing August 1 Aug 1 โ€“ Aug 15
Harvest July 7 Jul 7 โ€“ Sep 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
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 7a

Growing Season

151 days

Growing Tips for Carson City

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 Carson City, NV?

Carson City is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carson City, NV?

Carson City, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Carson City gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Carson City, NV. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.