Blog

When to plant Peas in Carroll County, IA

For Peas in Carroll County, the safe spring window opens around April 13 and closes around May 4. Last expected frost is April 27, first fall frost October 5, giving a 161-day growing season. A second sowing from July 27 to August 10 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Peas in Carroll County, IA

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.

Carroll County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.

At an elevation of 751 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.

Carroll County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
161 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
161 growing days
First Fall Frost October 5

Carroll County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Peas Planting Timeline — Carroll County, IA

Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 6
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 – May 11
Direct Sow April 13 Apr 13 – May 4
Harvest June 22 Jun 22 – Aug 17
Fall Sowing July 27 Jul 27 – Aug 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing 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 5a

📆 Growing Season

161 days in Carroll County

Growing Tips for Carroll 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 Carroll County, IA?

Carroll County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carroll County, IA?

Carroll County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 5.

When should I plant Peas in Carroll County, IA?

In Carroll County, IA, plant Peas after the last frost (around April 27) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Carroll County, IA for Peas?

Carroll County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Peas grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Peas grow in Carroll County's climate?

Yes — Peas grows well in Carroll County's temperate climate. Carroll County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 27 and first frost around October 5.

🌱

Your Carroll County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Carroll County (Zone 5a). 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 Carroll County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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