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When to Plant Snap Peas in Orange County, NY

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.

Orange County, New York is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.

At an elevation of 613 feet, Orange County receives approximately 47.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Snap Peas during the growing season.

Orange County, NY (Zone 6a) Long season
206 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
206 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Orange County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.9-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (73 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Aug 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (80 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 13 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Aug 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (72 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 16

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 62 gal / 100 sq ft
Snap Peas needs ~1,047 GDD — county provides 3,450 GDD Excellent fit

Snap Peas Planting Timeline โ€” Orange County, NY

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 6a

Growing Season

206 days

Growing Tips for Orange 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Snap Peas in Orange County, NY?

Orange County is in Zone 6a 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 Orange County, NY?

Orange County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is November 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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