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When to plant Peas in Henry County, IA

Henry County gardeners should plant Peas between April 7 and April 28 in spring. With Henry County's Zone 5b climate (last frost April 21), Peas needs 55–70 days to mature — plant by August 5 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Peas in Henry 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.

Henry County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 879 feet, Henry County receives approximately 40.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.

Henry County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Henry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Peas Planting Timeline — Henry County, IA

Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 17 Mar 17 – Mar 31
Transplant Outdoors April 21 Apr 21 – May 5
Direct Sow April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 28
Harvest June 16 Jun 16 – Aug 11
Fall Sowing August 5 Aug 5 – Aug 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

176 days in Henry County

Growing Tips for Henry 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 Henry County, IA?

Henry County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Henry County, IA?

Henry County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 14.

When should I plant Peas in Henry County, IA?

In Henry County, IA, plant Peas after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Henry County, IA for Peas?

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

Can Peas grow in Henry County's climate?

Yes — Peas grows well in Henry County's temperate climate. Henry County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 14.

🌱

Your Henry County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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