When to plant Peas in Cumberland County, IL
In Zone 6b (Cumberland County), direct-sow Peas between March 31 and April 21 for spring, after the April 14 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Peas in Cumberland County, IL
July to-do list for Cumberland County, Illinois
Your garden in Cumberland County, Illinois is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
-
Collect peas at their peak
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- First harvests: peas
- Fall sowing: 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.
Cumberland County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 772 feet, Cumberland County receives approximately 31.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.
Cumberland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7
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 Cumberland County
How your county's soil matches Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.0) is within Peas's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cumberland County is excellent for Peas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). 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 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
Peas Water Budget
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 2.7" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cumberland 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 — Cumberland County, IL
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | June 9 | Jun 9 – Aug 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Cumberland County
Growing Tips for Peas in Cumberland County
Direct sow Peas outdoors after April 14 in Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland County, IL?
Cumberland County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cumberland County, IL?
Cumberland County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Peas in Cumberland County, IL?
In Cumberland County, IL, plant Peas after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cumberland County, IL for Peas?
Cumberland County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Peas grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Peas grow in Cumberland County's climate?
Yes — Peas grows well in Cumberland County's temperate climate. Cumberland County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.
Your Cumberland County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cumberland 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.