When to plant Sweet Pea in Lake of the Woods County County,
In Lake of the Woods County County, Sweet Pea is a spring-only crop. Plant April 21–May 12 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Sweet Pea in Lake of the Woods County, MN
June in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota — your action list
Your Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: sweet pea
Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are beloved cool-season climbing annuals grown primarily for their intensely fragrant, ruffled blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. They thrive in cool spring conditions, climbing trellises to 4–6 feet, and make outstanding cut flowers. Bloom ceases once summer heat arrives, making early sowing critical for a long cutting season.
Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 1,032 feet, Lake of the Woods County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sweet Pea to ensure they mature before fall.
Lake of the Woods County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Sweet Pea 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 Lake of the Woods County
How your county's soil matches Sweet Pea's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.2) is more acidic than Sweet Pea prefers (7.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lake of the Woods County is excellent for Sweet Pea — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Sweet Pea.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Sweet Pea will thrive.
How to Plant Sweet Pea
Succession Planting Sweet Pea
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 29 to harvest before frost.
Sweet Pea Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Sweet Pea
Sweet Pea needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sweet Pea Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Lake of the Woods County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sweet Pea 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.
Sweet Pea Planting Timeline — Lake of the Woods County, MN
Sweet Pea Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Bloom | August 11 | Aug 11 – Sep 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
65–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 7–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
126 days in Lake of the Woods County
Growing Tips for Sweet Pea in Lake of the Woods County
Direct sow Sweet Pea outdoors after May 19 in Lake of the Woods County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Sweet Pea in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Soak seeds 24 hours before sowing to soften the hard seed coat; nick the seed coat with a file for the fastest germination. In cold zones (2–6), direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked, 4–6 weeks before last frost; seedlings tolerate light frost but not a hard freeze. In zones 7–9, fall-sow 8–10 weeks before first frost for earlier, stronger spring bloom. Provide a trellis or netting from the start. Feed with low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer once buds form. Pick blooms regularly — even one mature seed pod stops flower production. All plant parts are mildly toxic if eaten.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sweet Pea in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Pea in Lake of the Woods County, MN?
Lake of the Woods County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Sweet Pea planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake of the Woods County, MN?
Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 22.
When should I plant Sweet Pea in Lake of the Woods County County, ?
In Lake of the Woods County County, , plant Sweet Pea after the last frost (around May 19) and before the first frost (around September 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lake of the Woods County County, for Sweet Pea?
Lake of the Woods County County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Sweet Pea grows reliably in zones 2a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sweet Pea grow in Lake of the Woods County County's climate?
Yes — Sweet Pea grows well in Lake of the Woods County County's temperate climate. Lake of the Woods County County averages a 126-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 19 and first frost around September 22.
Your Lake of the Woods County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lake of the Woods County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.