When to Plant Peppers in Mason County, WA
Sweet peppers are warm-season crops producing fruits in a rainbow of colors. They turn from green to red, yellow, or orange as they ripen, increasing in sweetness.
Mason County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 230 feet, Mason County receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Peppers during the growing season.
Mason County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.7
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
Peppers Planting Timeline — Mason County, WA
Peppers Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Sep 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
194 days
Growing Tips for Mason County
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant when nighttime temperatures stay above 55F. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leaves over fruit.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 300 ft for purity. Hot and sweet peppers can cross-pollinate.
Peppers in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Peppers in Mason County, WA?
Mason County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Peppers planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mason County, WA?
Mason County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Mason County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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