When to Plant Peas in Marathon County, WI
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.
Marathon County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 723 feet, Marathon County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Peas to ensure they mature before fall.
Marathon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
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 — Marathon County, WI
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 10 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | 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 4a
Growing Season
144 days
Growing Tips for Marathon 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 Marathon County, WI?
Marathon County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marathon County, WI?
Marathon County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Marathon County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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