When to Plant Snow Peas in Ramsey County, ND
Your May gardening checklist
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Plant out snow peas
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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Direct-sow snow peas
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: snow peas
Snow peas are a flat-podded pea variety eaten whole when the seeds inside are still tiny. They are essential in Asian stir-fries and have a delicate, sweet flavor.
Ramsey County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.
At an elevation of 649 feet, Ramsey County receives approximately 24.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Snow Peas to ensure they mature before fall.
Ramsey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
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 Ramsey County
How your county's soil matches Snow Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.2) is within Snow Peas's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Ramsey County is excellent for Snow Peas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). Annual compost additions will help Snow Peas.
How to Plant Snow Peas
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Snow Peas
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 02.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Snow Peas
Snow Peas needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Snow Peas Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Ramsey County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Snow 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.
Snow Peas Planting Timeline — Ramsey County, ND
Snow Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 |
| Fall Sowing | July 2 | Jul 2 – Jul 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
134 days in Ramsey County
Growing Tips for Snow Peas in Ramsey County
Direct sow Snow Peas outdoors after May 13 in Ramsey County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Snow Peas in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Ramsey County receives only 24" of rain annually. Snow Peas needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow in early spring. Pick pods frequently when they are flat and tender for best flavor. Provide support for climbing varieties.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Snow Peas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Snow Peas in Ramsey County, ND?
Ramsey County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Snow Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ramsey County, ND?
Ramsey County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 24.
Your Ramsey County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ramsey County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.