When to Plant Peas in Nelson County, VA
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.
Nelson County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 920 feet, Nelson County receives approximately 48.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.
Nelson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 — Nelson County, VA
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Harvest | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jul 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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
204 days
Growing Tips for Nelson 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 Nelson County, VA?
Nelson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nelson County, VA?
Nelson County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Nelson County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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