When to Plant Peas in Falls County, TX
Peas are a cool-season legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. Garden peas are shelled, while snap and snow peas are eaten pod and all.
Falls County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 241 days.
At an elevation of 66 feet, Falls County receives approximately 66.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Peas may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Peas, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Peas root diseases.
Falls County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.1-8.2
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 Falls County
How your county's soil matches Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.1–8.2) is more alkaline than Peas prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Your clay soil in Falls County is workable for Peas. Add compost annually to improve structure.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Peas.
How to Plant Peas
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Peas
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 04.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Peas
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 | Peas Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2.2" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Falls County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
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.
Peas Planting Timeline — Falls County, TX
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Direct Sow | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 24 |
| Harvest | May 12 | May 12 – Jul 7 |
| Fall Sowing | September 4 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
241 days in Falls County
Growing Tips for Peas in Falls County
Direct sow Peas outdoors after March 17 in Falls County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Falls County's clay soil (36% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Peas. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Falls County reach 97°F — grow Peas as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Common pests for 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 as early as soil can be worked in spring. Inoculate seeds with rhizobium for best nitrogen fixation. Provide trellising for climbing varieties.
Recommended Peas Varieties for Falls County
Heat-tolerant peas — plant very early or as fall crop
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Very easy to save. Self-pollinating means varieties stay true.
Peas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Peas in Falls County, TX?
Falls County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 17. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Falls County, TX?
Falls County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and first fall frost is November 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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