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When to Plant Snap Peas in Carter 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.

Carter County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 1,335 feet, Carter County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Snap Peas during the growing season.

Carter County, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Carter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (76 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Jun 10 – Aug 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (74 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Aug 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (76 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Aug 27

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 337 gal / 100 sq ft
Snap Peas needs ~1,000 GDD — county provides 3,200 GDD Excellent fit

Snap Peas Planting Timeline โ€” Carter County, MO

Snap Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 12 Feb 12 โ€“ Feb 26
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 7
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ May 7
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 โ€“ Aug 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March โ€”
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 6b

Growing Season

200 days

Growing Tips for Carter 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 Carter County, MO?

Carter County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Snap Peas planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carter County, MO?

Carter County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Carter County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Carter County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.