When to Plant Peas in Madison County, OH
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.
Madison County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 674 feet, Madison County receives approximately 35.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.1
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Peas Planting Timeline — Madison County, OH
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| 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
181 days
Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, OH?
Madison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, OH?
Madison County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Madison County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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