When to Plant Peas in Westmoreland County, VA
Your May planting checklist for Westmoreland County, Virginia
Your garden in Westmoreland County, Virginia is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: peas
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Westmoreland County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.
At an elevation of 873 feet, Westmoreland County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Peas during the growing season.
Westmoreland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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 Westmoreland County
How your county's soil matches Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Peas's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Westmoreland County is excellent for Peas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 Aug 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Westmoreland 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 — Westmoreland County, VA
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jul 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
210 days in Westmoreland County
Growing Tips for Peas in Westmoreland County
Direct sow Peas outdoors after April 06 in Westmoreland County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Westmoreland County reach 92°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 Westmoreland 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 Westmoreland County, VA?
Westmoreland County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Westmoreland County, VA?
Westmoreland County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Westmoreland County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Westmoreland County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.