When to Plant Peas in Unicoi 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.
Unicoi County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 1,332 feet, Unicoi County receives approximately 43 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.
Unicoi County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
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 — Unicoi County, TN
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Aug 6 |
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 | — |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
189 days
Growing Tips for Unicoi 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 Unicoi County, TN?
Unicoi County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Unicoi County, TN?
Unicoi County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Unicoi County gardeners in Zone 6b 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.