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When to plant Snap Peas in Brown County, IL

For Brown County, gardeners: plant Snap Peas April 24 through May 15 once soil reads 50°F.

When to Plant Snap Peas in Brown County, IL

Snap peas have edible pods with plump, sweet peas inside, combining the best features of snow peas and garden peas. They are a garden favorite for fresh eating.

Brown County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 868 feet, Brown County receives approximately 36.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Snap Peas during the growing season.

Brown County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Brown County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Snap Peas Planting Timeline — Brown County, IL

Snap Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 – May 15
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 – May 15
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 – Aug 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

182 days in Brown County

Growing Tips for Brown County

Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Provide a trellis 4-6 feet tall. Harvest when pods are plump and snap cleanly when bent.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Snap Peas in Brown County, IL?

Brown County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Snap Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Brown County, IL?

Brown County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Snap Peas in Brown County, IL?

In Brown County, IL, plant Snap Peas after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Brown County, IL for Snap Peas?

Brown County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Snap Peas grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Snap Peas grow in Brown County's climate?

Yes — Snap Peas grows well in Brown County's temperate climate. Brown County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Brown County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Brown County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Brown County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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