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When to Plant Snap Peas in Madison 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.

Madison County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.

At an elevation of 888 feet, Madison County receives approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Snap Peas during the growing season.

Madison County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
198 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
198 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Madison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (70 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 7 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Jun 13 – Aug 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (72 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 13 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Aug 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (70 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
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 446 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Snap Peas needs ~953 GDD — county provides 3,019 GDD Excellent fit

Snap Peas Planting Timeline โ€” Madison County, MO

Snap Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 13 Feb 13 โ€“ Feb 27
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 โ€“ May 8
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ May 8
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 โ€“ Aug 14

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

198 days

Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, MO?

Madison County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Snap Peas planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madison County, MO?

Madison County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 25.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Madison 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 Madison County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.