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When to Plant Snap Peas in Windsor-Essex, ON

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.

Windsor-Essex, Ontario is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 623 feet, Windsor-Essex receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Snap Peas during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Snap Peas, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Windsor-Essex, ON (Zone 8a) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Windsor-Essex Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Snap Peas Planting Timeline — Windsor-Essex, ON

Snap Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 23
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 – Jul 30

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

220 days in Windsor-Essex

Growing Tips for Windsor-Essex

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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Snap Peas in Windsor-Essex, ON?

Windsor-Essex is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Snap Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Windsor-Essex, ON?

Windsor-Essex, Ontario is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 1.

🌱

Your Windsor-Essex Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Windsor-Essex (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Windsor-Essex, ON. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.