When to Plant Peas in Box Elder County, UT
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.
Box Elder County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.
At an elevation of 4,039 feet, Box Elder County receives approximately 24.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.
Box Elder County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.9
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.
Soil Compatibility in Box Elder County
How your county's soil matches Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.9) overlaps with Peas's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Box Elder County is excellent for Peas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Peas.
How to Plant Peas
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Peas
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 25.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Peas
Peas needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Peas Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3" | 1.7" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3" | 1.8" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Box Elder County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Peas Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Peas Planting Timeline — Box Elder County, UT
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 11 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
55–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
134 days in Box Elder County
Growing Tips for Peas in Box Elder County
Direct sow Peas outdoors after May 22 in Box Elder County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Peas in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow as early as soil can be worked in spring. Inoculate seeds with rhizobium for best nitrogen fixation. Provide trellising for climbing varieties.
Recommended Peas Varieties for Box Elder County
Heat-tolerant peas — plant very early or as fall crop
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Very easy to save. Self-pollinating means varieties stay true.
Peas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Peas in Box Elder County, UT?
Box Elder County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Box Elder County, UT?
Box Elder County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is October 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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