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When to plant Peas in Washington County, AL

Spring Peas in Washington County goes in February 26–March 19, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from September 4 to September 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Peas in Washington County, AL

Peas

Peas are a cool-season legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. Garden peas are shelled, while snap and snow peas are eaten pod and all.

Washington County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.

At an elevation of 419 feet, Washington County receives approximately 54.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Peas may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Peas, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Peas root diseases.

Washington County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
246 days
Last Spring Frost March 12
246 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Peas

Peas needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Peas Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Peas Planting Timeline — Washington County, AL

Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Direct Sow February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 19
Harvest May 7 May 7 – Jul 2
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 – Sep 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

55–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

246 days in Washington County

Growing Tips for Washington County

Direct sow as early as soil can be worked in spring. Inoculate seeds with rhizobium for best nitrogen fixation. Provide trellising for climbing varieties.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Peas Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Let pods dry brown and papery on the vine.
Storage Store airtight; viable 3 years at 35°F, under 45% humidity.

Very easy to save. Self-pollinating means varieties stay true.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Peas in Washington County, AL?

Washington County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, AL?

Washington County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Peas in Washington County, AL?

In Washington County, AL, plant Peas after the last frost (around March 12) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Washington County, AL for Peas?

Washington County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Peas grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Peas grow in Washington County's climate?

Yes — Peas grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 246-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 12 and first frost around November 13.

🌱

Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Washington County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.