When to Plant Peas in Kerr County, TX
Your May gardening checklist
Welcome to May in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Start harvesting peas
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: peas
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.
Kerr County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 3,907 feet, Kerr County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Peas root diseases.
Kerr County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.6
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 Kerr County
How your county's soil matches Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.6) overlaps with Peas's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kerr County is excellent for Peas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 1.7" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kerr 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 — Kerr County, TX
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Direct Sow | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 31 |
| Harvest | May 19 | May 19 – Jul 14 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Kerr County
Growing Tips for Peas in Kerr County
Direct sow Peas outdoors after March 24 in Kerr County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Kerr County reach 93°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 Kerr 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 Kerr County, TX?
Kerr County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kerr County, TX?
Kerr County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Kerr County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kerr 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.