When to Plant Peas in Montrose County, CO
This month in Montrose County, Colorado
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Put peas seeds straight in the ground
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: 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.
Montrose County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.
At an elevation of 6,494 feet, Montrose County receives approximately 18.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°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.
Montrose County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.9
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 Montrose County
How your county's soil matches Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.9) overlaps with Peas's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Montrose County is excellent for Peas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Peas.
How to Plant Peas
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3" | 1.2" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 1.8" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3" | 1.7" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Montrose 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 — Montrose County, CO
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jun 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 20 |
| Harvest | August 8 | Aug 8 – Oct 3 |
| Fall Sowing | July 4 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
91 days in Montrose County
Growing Tips for Peas in Montrose County
Direct sow Peas outdoors after June 13 in Montrose County 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.
Recommended Peas Varieties for Montrose 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 Montrose County, CO?
Montrose County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of June 13. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montrose County, CO?
Montrose County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and first fall frost is September 12.
Your Montrose County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Montrose County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.