When to Plant Peas in Sitka City and Borough, AK
What to do in May
Welcome to May in Zone 7b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Sow peas in trays indoors
You're about 24 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: 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.
Sitka City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 1,935 feet, Sitka City and Borough receives approximately 21.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 69°F, so choose short-season varieties of Peas to ensure they mature before fall.
Sitka City and Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
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 Sitka City and Borough
How your county's soil matches Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.4) is more acidic than Peas prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sitka City and Borough is excellent for Peas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.5%) — Peas will thrive.
How to Plant Peas
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Peas
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 15.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Peas
Peas needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Peas Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 0.6" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3" | 1.1" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sitka City and Borough). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
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.
Peas Planting Timeline — Sitka City and Borough, AK
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
55–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Sitka City and Borough
Growing Tips for Peas in Sitka City and Borough
Direct sow Peas outdoors after April 20 in Sitka City and Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for 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 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Very easy to save. Self-pollinating means varieties stay true.
Peas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Peas in Sitka City and Borough, AK?
Sitka City and Borough is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sitka City and Borough, AK?
Sitka City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Sitka City and Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sitka City and Borough (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.