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When to Plant Peas in Washington County, TX

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.

Washington County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 270 days.

At an elevation of 386 feet, Washington County receives approximately 58.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Peas, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Peas root diseases.

Washington County, TX (Zone 8b) Year-round
270 days
Last Spring Frost March 2
270 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.9-8.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (161 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 11 Transplant: Feb 15 🍅 Harvest: Apr 12 – Jun 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (158 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 26 Transplant: Mar 2 🍅 Harvest: Apr 27 – Jun 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (159 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Mar 22 🍅 Harvest: May 17 – Jul 12

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 201 gal / 100 sq ft
Peas needs ~1,094 GDD — county provides 4,725 GDD Excellent fit

Peas Planting Timeline โ€” Washington County, TX

Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 26 Jan 26 โ€“ Feb 9
Transplant Outdoors March 2 Mar 2 โ€“ Mar 16
Direct Sow February 16 Feb 16 โ€“ Mar 9
Fall Sowing September 18 Sep 18 โ€“ Oct 2
Harvest April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ Jun 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
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 8b

Growing Season

270 days

Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, TX?

Washington County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 2. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, TX?

Washington County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and first fall frost is November 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Washington County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Washington County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.