When to Plant Peas in Polk County, TN
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.
Polk County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 1,255 feet, Polk County receives approximately 43.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.
Polk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.5
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 — Polk County, TN
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Aug 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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 7a
Growing Season
183 days
Growing Tips for Polk 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 Polk County, TN?
Polk County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Polk County, TN?
Polk County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Polk County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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