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When to Plant Snap Peas in USDA Zone 6b

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 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 3 and the first fall frost is around October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

Zone 6b Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 3
205 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Snap Peas Planting Timeline — Zone 6b

Where Is USDA Zone 6b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 6b. Click any state to see the Snap Peas planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Snap Peas Planting Calendar — Zone 6b

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Aug 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Free Zone 6b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 6b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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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

-5°F to 0°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

205 days (Zone 6b average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth1 inches
Plant Spacing4 inches apart
Row Spacing18 inches between rows

Growing Tips for Zone 6b

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

Saving Snap Peas Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

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Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

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Garden Plant Markers $6-12

Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Snap Peas in Zone 6b?

In Zone 6b, plan your Snap Peas planting around the average last frost date of April 3. Start seeds indoors around February 6. Direct sow outdoors around April 10. Transplant seedlings around April 17.

Can Snap Peas grow in Zone 6b?

Yes, Snap Peas can grow well in Zone 6b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 6b has a growing season of approximately 205 days, which is sufficient for Snap Peas (55-70 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Snap Peas in Zone 6b?

In Zone 6b, expect to harvest Snap Peas from June 12 – August 7. Snap Peas takes 55-70 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 6b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 6b is around April 3, and the first fall frost is around October 25. This gives a growing season of approximately 205 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

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 6b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.