When to Plant Peas in Hendry County, FL
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.
Hendry County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 14 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.
At an elevation of 403 feet, Hendry County receives approximately 55.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Peas will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Peas root diseases.
Hendry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
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 Hendry County
How your county's soil matches Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Peas prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Hendry County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Peas will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Peas.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Peas.
How to Plant Peas
Fall planting: Sow 8 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 | 3" | 2.6" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 3" | 2.7" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 2.6" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Hendry 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 — Hendry County, FL
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 17 | Dec 17 – Dec 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 14 | Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Direct Sow | December 24 | Dec 24 – Jan 14 |
| Harvest | March 11 | Mar 11 – May 6 |
| Fall Sowing | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Fall Sowing |
| March | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
91 days in Hendry County
Growing Tips for Peas in Hendry County
Direct sow Peas outdoors after January 14 in Hendry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Hendry County dries quickly — mulch Peas with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Hendry 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 Hendry County, FL?
Hendry County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 14. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hendry County, FL?
Hendry County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 14 and first fall frost is .
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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