when to plant peas zone 6

When to Plant Peas in Zone 6 for a Successful Crop

Peas are a cool-season vegetable that can be grown in zones 3-10, making them a great choice for gardeners in zone 6. Zone 6 covers a large part of the country spanning from Oregon across to Massachusetts and down to Tennessee. This zone has mild winters and warm, humid summers. Knowing the optimal time to plant peas will help ensure a bountiful harvest.

When to Plant Peas

Peas prefer cool temperatures and should be planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. The best time to plant is 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. The last frost dates for zone 6 are between March 15th and May 15th depending on your exact location.

For an early spring crop, plant peas in late February or March. You can continue planting peas every 2-3 weeks until late May for a continuous harvest. Late plantings in June will still produce peas before the weather gets too warm, but yields will be lower.

If you want to plant a fall crop of peas, sow seeds 8-10 weeks before the first expected fall frost. In zone 6, aim for late July or early August for a fall harvest.

Choosing a Pea Variety

Many pea varieties work well in zone 6, but choose quick-maturing cultivars that will produce before temperatures climb. Here are some top pea varieties for zone 6:

• Little Marvel – a compact bush pea that matures in 62 days. Produces heavy yields of 3-4” pods.

• Sugar Ann – a sugar snap pea that matures in just 55 days with crisp, sweet pods. Grows 24-30” tall.

• Oregon Sugar Pod II – an early sugar snap pea that’s ready for harvest in 60 days. Prolific producer.

• Cascadia – a disease-resistant snap pea that matures in 55 days. Best for fall crops.

• Lincoln – a heat-tolerant shelling pea perfect for late spring plantings. Matures in 67 days.

Starting Peas from Seed

Peas can be directly sown into the garden or started indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Starting indoors will give plants an early boost but isn’t required.

To start seeds indoors, plant pea seeds 1” deep in small containers or cells using seed starting mix. Keep soil moist and provide plenty of light. Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors after danger of frost. Take care not to disturb roots when transplanting.

Planting Peas in the Garden

Peas prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. Before planting, work 2-3” of compost into soil to enrich it. Peas are heavy feeders that benefit from compost or fertilizer to produce their best yield.

Direct sow pea seeds 1-2” deep and 1-2” apart in rows spaced 24-30” apart. Water soil after planting and provide trellising or fencing for vines to climb once they emerge. Pea seedlings may take 14-21 days to emerge from soil.

Ongoing Pea Care

• Water – Consistent moisture is key, providing 1-2” per week. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep soil moist but not saturated.

• Fertilizing – Applying a balanced fertilizer when plants emerge and again when blossoms appear will support strong plants. Fish emulsion is a good organic option.

• Support – Install trellises, fences or poles after plants emerge for vines to climb. This improves yields and prevents disease.

• Weeding – Keep area around peas free of weeds which compete for nutrients. Mulch also helps suppress weeds.

• Pests – Watch for aphids, slugs, snails and other pests. Remove by hand or use organic methods if necessary.

When to Harvest Peas

• Snap peas – Ready to pick once pods swell and are crisp. Pick often to encourage more pod production.

• Snow peas – Best when pods are flat before seeds mature. Pods should be crisp and bright.

• Shelling peas – Allow pods to fill out until plump and bright green. Pick once peas inside reach full size.

Check pea pods frequently once flowering starts, harvesting every 2-3 days. Use scissors to clip pods from vines carefully without damaging plant. Peas quickly lose sweetness once picked, so try to harvest and consume immediately for best flavor.

With the right planting time and care, growing peas in zone 6 can result in a delicious early spring or fall crop. Just be sure to pick varieties suited to your climate and tend plants diligently. Pay close attention as harvest time approaches to enjoy peas at their peak flavor, texture and nutritional quality. The effort pays off with the sweet reward of fresh garden peas.