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When to Plant Snap Peas in Madison County, TX

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, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.

At an elevation of 122 feet, Madison County receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Snap Peas during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Snap Peas will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Snap Peas root diseases.

Madison County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
260 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
260 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Madison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (140 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 2 Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: May 1 – Jun 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 15 Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jul 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (123 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 16 Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Aug 10

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 198 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Snap Peas needs ~1,141 GDD — county provides 4,745 GDD Excellent fit

Snap Peas Planting Timeline โ€” Madison County, TX

Snap Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 15 Jan 15 โ€“ Jan 29
Transplant Outdoors March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 2
Direct Sow March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Apr 2
Harvest May 14 May 14 โ€“ Jul 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
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 8b

Growing Season

260 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Snap Peas in Madison County, TX?

Madison County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Snap Peas planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madison County, TX?

Madison County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 20.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Madison County gardeners in Zone 8b 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, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.