When to Plant Snow Peas in Humboldt County, CA
Snow peas are a flat-podded pea variety eaten whole when the seeds inside are still tiny. They are essential in Asian stir-fries and have a delicate, sweet flavor.
Humboldt County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 274 days.
At an elevation of 148 feet, Humboldt County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Snow Peas during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Snow Peas will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Humboldt County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Snow Peas Planting Timeline — Humboldt County, CA
Snow Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Direct Sow | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 27 |
| Fall Sowing | October 3 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
| Harvest | April 24 | Apr 24 – Jun 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–65 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 9a
Growing Season
274 days
Growing Tips for Humboldt County
Direct sow in early spring. Pick pods frequently when they are flat and tender for best flavor. Provide support for climbing varieties.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Snow Peas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Snow Peas in Humboldt County, CA?
Humboldt County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 27. Plan your Snow Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Humboldt County, CA?
Humboldt County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and first fall frost is November 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Humboldt County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.