When to plant Peas in Ashley County, AR
Ashley County's spring Peas window runs March 5 through March 26. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 27 to September 10 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Peas in Ashley County, AR
What to do in June
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
It's harvest week for peas
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Ashley County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 1,028 feet, Ashley County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.
Ashley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Peas 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 Ashley County
How your county's soil matches Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.7) is more acidic than Peas prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ashley County is excellent for Peas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Peas.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Peas.
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 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 27.
Peas Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Ashley County). 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 — Ashley County, AR
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Direct Sow | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 26 |
| Harvest | May 14 | May 14 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 27 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
55–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
231 days in Ashley County
Growing Tips for Peas in Ashley County
Direct sow Peas outdoors after March 19 in Ashley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Ashley County reach 93°F — grow Peas as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
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.
Recommended Peas Varieties for Ashley County
Heat-tolerant peas — plant very early or as fall crop
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 Ashley County, AR?
Ashley County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ashley County, AR?
Ashley County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 5.
When should I plant Peas in Ashley County, AR?
In Ashley County, AR, plant Peas after the last frost (around March 19) and before the first frost (around November 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ashley County, AR for Peas?
Ashley 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 Ashley County's climate?
Yes — Peas grows well in Ashley County's temperate climate. Ashley County averages a 231-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 19 and first frost around November 5.
Your Ashley County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ashley 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.