When to Plant Peas in USDA Zone 4a
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.
In Zone 4a, the average last spring frost is around May 6 and the first fall frost is around September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
Peas Planting Timeline — Zone 4a
Where Is USDA Zone 4a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 4a. Click any state to see the Peas planting schedule for that location.
Peas Planting Calendar — Zone 4a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 4a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 4a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
55–70 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
-30°F to -25°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
145 days (Zone 4a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 4 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 18 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Zone 4a
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
Saving Peas Seeds
Very easy to save. Self-pollinating means varieties stay true.
Recommended for Your Garden
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
Related Plants
Peas in Other Zones
Peas by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Peas in Zone 4a?
In Zone 4a, plan your Peas planting around the average last frost date of May 6. Start seeds indoors around March 25. Direct sow outdoors around April 29. Transplant seedlings around May 6.
Can Peas grow in Zone 4a?
Yes, Peas can grow well in Zone 4a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 4a has a growing season of approximately 145 days, which is sufficient for Peas (55-70 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Peas in Zone 4a?
In Zone 4a, expect to harvest Peas from July 1 – August 26. Peas takes 55-70 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 4a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 4a is around May 6, and the first fall frost is around September 28. This gives a growing season of approximately 145 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Peas?
Good companion plants for Peas include Carrots, Radish, Turnip, Corn. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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