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When to Plant Snap Peas in Ellis County, TX

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.

Ellis County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 167 feet, Ellis County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Snap Peas root diseases.

Ellis County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Ellis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Snap Peas Planting Timeline — Ellis County, TX

Snap Peas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 19 Jan 19 – Feb 2
Transplant Outdoors March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 6
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 – Apr 6
Harvest May 18 May 18 – Jul 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

256 days in Ellis County

Growing Tips for Ellis County

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 Ellis County, TX?

Ellis County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Snap Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ellis County, TX?

Ellis County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 20.

🌱

Your Ellis County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ellis County (Zone 8b). 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 Ellis County, TX. 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.