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When to Plant Snow Peas in USDA Zone 4a

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.

In Zone 4a, the average last spring frost is around May 6 and the first fall frost is around September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.

Zone 4a Short season
145 days
Last Spring Frost May 6
145 growing days
First Fall Frost September 28

Snow Peas Planting Timeline — Zone 4a

Where Is USDA Zone 4a?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 4a. Click any state to see the Snow Peas planting schedule for that location.

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

Snow Peas Planting Calendar — Zone 4a

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 – May 20
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 – May 20
Fall Sowing July 6 Jul 6 – Jul 20
Harvest July 1 Jul 1 – Aug 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Free Zone 4a Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 4a 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

50–65 days

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Zone Temperature Range

-30°F to -25°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

145 days (Zone 4a average)

Planting Specifications

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

Growing Tips for Zone 4a

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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

Saving Snow Peas Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

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LED Grow Lights $25-60

Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.

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Seedling Heat Mat $15-35

Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.

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Floating Row Covers $12-30

Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Snow Peas in Zone 4a?

In Zone 4a, plan your Snow Peas planting around the average last frost date of May 6. Start seeds indoors around March 25. Direct sow outdoors around April 29. Transplant seedlings around May 6.

Can Snow Peas grow in Zone 4a?

Yes, Snow Peas can grow well in Zone 4a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 4a has a growing season of approximately 145 days, which is sufficient for Snow Peas (50-65 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Snow Peas in Zone 4a?

In Zone 4a, expect to harvest Snow Peas from July 1 – August 26. Snow Peas takes 50-65 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 4a?

The average last spring frost in Zone 4a is around May 6, and the first fall frost is around September 28. This gives a growing season of approximately 145 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.

What should I plant next to Snow Peas?

Good companion plants for Snow Peas include Carrots, Radish, Turnip. 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 4a, 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.