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When to Plant Snap Peas in Vernon County, WI

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.

Vernon County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.

At an elevation of 641 feet, Vernon County receives approximately 38.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Snap Peas to ensure they mature before fall.

Vernon County, WI (Zone 4b) Moderate season
164 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
164 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Vernon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (29 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Sep 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (31 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Sep 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (26 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: Jun 5 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Sep 25

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 29 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Snap Peas needs ~719 GDD — county provides 1,886 GDD Excellent fit

Snap Peas Planting Timeline โ€” Vernon County, WI

Snap Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 24 Feb 24 โ€“ Mar 10
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 2
Direct Sow May 12 May 12 โ€“ Jun 2
Harvest July 14 Jul 14 โ€“ Sep 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 4b

Growing Season

164 days

Growing Tips for Vernon 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 Vernon County, WI?

Vernon County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Snap Peas planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Vernon County, WI?

Vernon County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Vernon County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Vernon County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.