When to Plant Peas in Zone 4

Pisum sativum

Last updated: Apr 29, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative Extension
Action Plan

Plant Peas in Zone 4

  • Direct sow: May 10 — after last frost (May 10)
  • First harvest: Jul 14 (55–70 days after planting)
⚠️ Don't plant before last frost (May 10) — cold snaps kill young transplants.
Last frost
May 10
First frost
Sep 25
Growing season
138 days
Quick Facts
Sunlight ☀️ Full Sun
Water Needs 💧💧 Moderate
Spacing 4 inches apart
Planting Depth 1.0 inch
Min Soil Temp 40°F
Germination 7–14 days
Days to Maturity 55–70 days
Frost Tolerance Moderate frost tolerance
Soil pH 6.0–7.5
Difficulty Easy
What you'll need — Zone 4
🛒 Peas — Seeds & Supplies
  • 🌱 Pea Seeds Variety Pack
  • 🌱 Pea & Bean Inoculant
  • 🌱 Pea Trellis Netting

Search for these at your local garden center or nursery.

Growing Tips

  • Peas are one of the first seeds to sow — they can handle frost and germinate in cool soil.
  • Inoculate with pea/bean inoculant for bigger yields.
  • Provide support early — even bush varieties do better with something to lean on.
  • Pick pods when plump but before seeds bulge — check daily once they start producing.
  • Plant a second crop in late summer for a fall harvest in zones 6–9.

Common Mistakes

  • Planting too late — peas hate summer heat and stop producing above 75°F.
  • Not providing support — even 'bush' varieties tangle and produce less without a trellis.
  • Soaking seeds too long before planting — 4–8 hours max, or they rot.
  • Watering overhead during flowering — reduces pollination and fruit set.

Companion Planting

Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.

✓ Good Companions

Carrot Corn Cucumber

✗ Avoid Nearby

Onion Garlic

Peas Schedule — All Zones

ZoneStart IndoorsTransplant Direct SowHarvest StartHarvest End
Zone 3 — — May 15 Jul 19 Sep 2
Zone 4 — — May 10 Jul 14 Aug 28
Zone 5 — — Apr 30 Jul 4 Aug 18
Zone 6 — — Apr 15 Jun 19 Aug 3
Zone 7 — — Apr 5 Jun 9 Jul 24
Zone 8 — — Mar 20 May 24 Jul 8
Zone 9 — — Feb 28 May 4 Jun 18
Zone 10 — — Feb 10 Apr 16 May 31

Other Zones for Peas

Zone 3 · Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9 · Zone 10

📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.
Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.