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When to Plant Peas in Harney County, OR

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.

Harney County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 17 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 81 days.

At an elevation of 679 feet, Harney County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.

Harney County, OR (Zone 5b) Very short season
81 days
Last Spring Frost June 17
81 growing days
First Fall Frost September 6

Harney County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 8 Transplant: Jun 12 🍅 Harvest: Aug 7 – Oct 2
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 13 Transplant: Jun 17 🍅 Harvest: Aug 12 – Oct 7
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 20 Transplant: Jun 24 🍅 Harvest: Aug 19 – Oct 14

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Peas needs ~953 GDD — county provides 1,235 GDD Good fit

Peas Planting Timeline โ€” Harney County, OR

Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 13 May 13 โ€“ May 27
Transplant Outdoors June 17 Jun 17 โ€“ Jul 1
Direct Sow June 3 Jun 3 โ€“ Jun 24
Fall Sowing June 28 Jun 28 โ€“ Jul 12
Harvest August 12 Aug 12 โ€“ Oct 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Start Indoors
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing
July Transplant Outdoors Fall Sowing
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 5b

Growing Season

81 days

Growing Tips for Harney 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

  • 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 Harney County, OR?

Harney County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 17. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Harney County, OR?

Harney County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 17 and first fall frost is September 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Harney County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Harney County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.