When to Plant Snap Peas in St. Louis County, MN
May to-do list for St. Louis County, Minnesota
May is a pivotal month for St. Louis County, Minnesota gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Get ahead of June
- Transplants going out: snap peas
- Direct-sowing: snap peas
Snap peas have edible pods with plump, sweet peas inside, combining the best features of snow peas and garden peas. They are a garden favorite for fresh eating.
St. Louis County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 100 days.
At an elevation of 531 feet, St. Louis County receives approximately 36.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Snap Peas to ensure they mature before fall.
St. Louis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 St. Louis County
How your county's soil matches Snap Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Snap Peas's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in St. Louis County is excellent for Snap Peas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Snap Peas.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Snap Peas will thrive.
How to Plant Snap Peas
Succession Planting Snap Peas
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 02 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Snap Peas
Snap 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 | Snap Peas Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in St. Louis County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Snap 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.
Snap Peas Planting Timeline — St. Louis County, MN
Snap Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 7 |
| Direct Sow | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jul 7 |
| Harvest | August 18 | Aug 18 – Oct 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
100 days in St. Louis County
Growing Tips for Snap Peas in St. Louis County
Direct sow Snap Peas outdoors after June 02 in St. Louis County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Snap 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 in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Provide a trellis 4-6 feet tall. Harvest when pods are plump and snap cleanly when bent.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Snap Peas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Snap Peas in St. Louis County, MN?
St. Louis County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of June 2. Plan your Snap Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Louis County, MN?
St. Louis County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and first fall frost is September 10.
Your St. Louis County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Louis 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.