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When to Plant Snap Peas in Johnson 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.

Johnson County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 1,218 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Snap Peas during the growing season.

Johnson County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Johnson 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 (68 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 8 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 14 – Aug 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (67 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 16 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (68 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Aug 29

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 185 gal / 100 sq ft
Snap Peas needs ~906 GDD — county provides 2,798 GDD Excellent fit

Snap Peas Planting Timeline โ€” Johnson 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 6a

Growing Season

193 days

Growing Tips for Johnson 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 Johnson County, MO?

Johnson County is in Zone 6a 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 Johnson County, MO?

Johnson County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 23.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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