When to Plant Snap Peas in USDA Zone 5b
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.
In Zone 5b, the average last spring frost is around April 18 and the first fall frost is around October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
Snap Peas Planting Timeline — Zone 5b
Where Is USDA Zone 5b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 5b. Click any state to see the Snap Peas planting schedule for that location.
Snap Peas Planting Calendar — Zone 5b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 5b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 5b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
55–70 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
-15°F to -10°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
178 days (Zone 5b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 4 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 18 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Snap Peas in Zone 5b
Sow every 6.3 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Snap Peas in Zone 5b
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
Level Up Your Garden
Saving Snap Peas Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Snap Peas in Other Zones
Snap Peas by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Snap Peas in Zone 5b?
In Zone 5b, plan your Snap Peas planting around the average last frost date of April 18. Start seeds indoors around February 21. Direct sow outdoors around April 25. Transplant seedlings around May 2.
Can Snap Peas grow in Zone 5b?
Yes, Snap Peas can grow well in Zone 5b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 5b has a growing season of approximately 178 days, which is sufficient for Snap Peas (55-70 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Snap Peas in Zone 5b?
In Zone 5b, expect to harvest Snap Peas from June 27 – August 22. Snap Peas takes 55-70 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 5b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 5b is around April 18, and the first fall frost is around October 13. This gives a growing season of approximately 178 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Snap Peas?
Good companion plants for Snap Peas include Carrots, Radish, Lettuce. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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