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When to plant Peas in Chaffee County, CO

Plant Peas in Chaffee County after June 16; the prime window is June 2–June 23. A second sowing from June 29 to July 13 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Peas in Chaffee County, CO

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.

Chaffee County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.

At an elevation of 7,788 feet, Chaffee County receives approximately 18.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Peas successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Chaffee County, CO (Zone 5b) Very short season
83 days
Last Spring Frost June 16
83 growing days
First Fall Frost September 7

Chaffee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.6

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Peas Planting Timeline — Chaffee County, CO

Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 12 May 12 – May 26
Transplant Outdoors June 16 Jun 16 – Jun 30
Direct Sow June 2 Jun 2 – Jun 23
Harvest August 11 Aug 11 – Oct 6
Fall Sowing June 29 Jun 29 – Jul 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Start Indoors
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing
July Fall Sowing
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

83 days in Chaffee County

Growing Tips for Chaffee 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 Chaffee County, CO?

Chaffee County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Chaffee County, CO?

Chaffee County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.

When should I plant Peas in Chaffee County, CO?

In Chaffee County, CO, plant Peas after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Chaffee County, CO for Peas?

Chaffee County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Peas grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Peas grow in Chaffee County's climate?

Yes — Peas grows well in Chaffee County's temperate climate. Chaffee County averages a 83-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 7.

🌱

Your Chaffee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Chaffee County (Zone 5b). 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 Chaffee County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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