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When to plant Peas in Guthrie County, IA

Peas planted in Guthrie County between April 12 and May 3 matures in 55–70 days — well before the October 6 first frost. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Peas in Guthrie 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.

Guthrie County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.

At an elevation of 1,378 feet, Guthrie County receives approximately 31.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Peas to ensure they mature before fall.

Guthrie County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
163 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
163 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Guthrie County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Peas Planting Timeline — Guthrie County, IA

Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Transplant Outdoors April 26 Apr 26 – May 10
Direct Sow April 12 Apr 12 – May 3
Harvest June 21 Jun 21 – Aug 16
Fall Sowing July 28 Jul 28 – Aug 11

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

163 days in Guthrie County

Growing Tips for Guthrie 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 Guthrie County, IA?

Guthrie County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Guthrie County, IA?

Guthrie County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Peas in Guthrie County, IA?

In Guthrie County, IA, plant Peas after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Guthrie County, IA for Peas?

Guthrie 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 Guthrie County's climate?

Yes — Peas grows well in Guthrie County's temperate climate. Guthrie County averages a 163-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 6.

🌱

Your Guthrie County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Guthrie 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 Guthrie County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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