When to Plant Snap Peas in Lincoln County, WA
May to-do list for Lincoln County, Washington
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Lincoln County, Washington this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Put snap peas seeds straight in the ground
Succession planting is the secret here. Put in a row now, another in 2 weeks, a third in 4.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Transplants going out: snap peas
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.
Lincoln County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.
At an elevation of 2,955 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 21.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Snap Peas during the growing season.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Snap Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Snap Peas's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lincoln County is excellent for Snap Peas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Snap Peas.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Snap Peas will thrive.
How to Plant Snap Peas
Succession Planting Snap Peas
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 18 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Snap Peas
Snap 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 | Snap Peas Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 1.1" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 1" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 0.3" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3" | 0.5" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3" | 0.8" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Lincoln County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Snap 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.
Snap Peas Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, WA
Snap Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Direct Sow | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Sep 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
55–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
130 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Snap Peas in Lincoln County
Direct sow Snap Peas outdoors after May 19 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Snap 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 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Snap Peas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Snap Peas in Lincoln County, WA?
Lincoln County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Snap Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, WA?
Lincoln County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 26.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.