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When to plant Peas in DeWitt County, IL

Peas planted in DeWitt County between April 1 and April 22 matures in 55–70 days — well before the October 17 first frost. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Peas in DeWitt County, IL

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.

DeWitt County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 801 feet, DeWitt County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Peas to ensure they mature before fall.

DeWitt County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

DeWitt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7

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 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Peas Planting Timeline — DeWitt County, IL

Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Transplant Outdoors April 15 Apr 15 – Apr 29
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 – Aug 5
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
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

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

185 days in DeWitt County

Growing Tips for DeWitt 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 DeWitt County, IL?

DeWitt County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is DeWitt County, IL?

DeWitt County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Peas in DeWitt County, IL?

In DeWitt County, IL, plant Peas after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is DeWitt County, IL for Peas?

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

Can Peas grow in DeWitt County's climate?

Yes — Peas grows well in DeWitt County's temperate climate. DeWitt County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your DeWitt County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for DeWitt 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.

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 DeWitt County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.