When to Plant Peas in Cowlitz County, WA
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.
Cowlitz County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 268 feet, Cowlitz County receives approximately 47.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.
Cowlitz County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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
Peas Planting Timeline — Cowlitz County, WA
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 5 |
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 | 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 8a
Growing Season
197 days
Growing Tips for Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz County, WA?
Cowlitz County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cowlitz County, WA?
Cowlitz County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Cowlitz County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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