When to Plant Peas in Rusk County, WI
This month in Rusk County, Wisconsin
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Move peas from tray to bed
Your last frost (May 16) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
-
Plant peas from seed, right in the garden
Your soil is 55°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Starting indoors: 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.
Rusk County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 1,112 feet, Rusk County receives approximately 38.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Peas to ensure they mature before fall.
Rusk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
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 Rusk County
How your county's soil matches Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.0) is within Peas's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Rusk County is excellent for Peas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Peas will thrive.
How to Plant Peas
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Peas
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 06.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Rusk 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 — Rusk County, WI
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Sep 5 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Rusk County
Growing Tips for Peas in Rusk County
Direct sow Peas outdoors after May 16 in Rusk County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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.
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 Rusk County, WI?
Rusk County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rusk County, WI?
Rusk County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is September 28.
Your Rusk County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Rusk County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.