When to Plant Snow Peas in Nome Census Area, AK
Top priorities for Nome Census Area, Alaska gardeners in May
A quick May briefing for Nome Census Area, Alaska gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Scatter snow peas into prepared beds
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: snow peas
- Fall sowing: snow peas
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.
Nome Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.
At an elevation of 2,593 feet, Nome Census Area receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 61°F, so choose short-season varieties of Snow Peas to ensure they mature before fall.
Nome Census Area Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Nome Census Area
How your county's soil matches Snow Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.7) is more acidic than Snow Peas prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Nome Census Area is excellent for Snow Peas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Snow Peas.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.2%) — Snow Peas will thrive.
How to Plant Snow Peas
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Snow Peas
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 10.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Snow Peas
Snow 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 | Snow Peas Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Nome Census Area). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Snow Peas Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Snow Peas Planting Timeline — Nome Census Area, AK
Snow Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
| Direct Sow | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 17 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Sep 23 |
| Fall Sowing | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
91 days in Nome Census Area
Growing Tips for Snow Peas in Nome Census Area
Direct sow Snow Peas outdoors after June 03 in Nome Census Area when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Snow Peas in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Snow Peas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Snow Peas in Nome Census Area, AK?
Nome Census Area is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Snow Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nome Census Area, AK?
Nome Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 2.
Your Nome Census Area Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Nome Census Area (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.