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When to Plant Snap Peas in Buchanan County, MO

Snap peas have edible pods with plump, sweet peas inside, combining the best features of snow peas and garden peas. They are a garden favorite for fresh eating.

Buchanan County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 1,340 feet, Buchanan County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Snap Peas to ensure they mature before fall.

Buchanan County, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Buchanan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (67 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 8 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 14 – Aug 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (68 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 16 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (71 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 1 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Aug 30

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 663 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Snap Peas needs ~766 GDD — county provides 2,376 GDD Excellent fit

Snap Peas Planting Timeline โ€” Buchanan County, MO

Snap Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 16 Feb 16 โ€“ Mar 2
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11
Direct Sow April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 11
Harvest June 22 Jun 22 โ€“ Aug 17

Plant 1" deep ยท 4" apart ยท Rows 18" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

55โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

194 days

Growing Tips for Buchanan County

Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Provide a trellis 4-6 feet tall. Harvest when pods are plump and snap cleanly when bent.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Snap Peas in Buchanan County, MO?

Buchanan County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Snap Peas planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Buchanan County, MO?

Buchanan County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Buchanan County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Buchanan County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.