When to plant Peas in Printer, KY
For Printer, gardeners: plant Peas April 7 through April 28 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Peas in Printer, KY
Your June gardening checklist
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
It's harvest week for peas
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: 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.
Printer, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 2,218 feet, Floyd County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Peas root diseases.
Printer Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7.1
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 Printer
How your county's soil matches Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.1) overlaps with Peas's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Floyd County is excellent for Peas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Floyd 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 — Printer, KY
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 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
55–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Floyd County
Growing Tips for Peas in Printer
Direct sow Peas outdoors after April 21 in Floyd 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 Printer
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
When should I plant Peas in Printer, KY?
In Printer, KY, plant Peas after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Printer, KY for Peas?
Printer sits in USDA Zone 7a. Peas grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Peas grow in Printer's climate?
Yes — Peas grows well in Printer's temperate climate. Printer averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 21.
Your Floyd County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Floyd County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.