If you’re a gardener in Georgia, knowing when to plant peas is the key to a sweet and abundant harvest. Getting the timing right for spring planting makes all the difference, and this guide will give you the optimal spring planting schedule.
Peas are a cool-season crop that thrive in Georgia’s early spring conditions. Planting them at the correct time ensures they mature before the intense summer heat arrives, which can cause blossoms to drop and plants to wither. Let’s look at how to schedule your planting for maximum success.
When to Plant Peas in Georgia – Optimal Spring Planting Schedule
The optimal time to plant peas in Georgia is from late January through mid-March. This window can shift slightly depending on your specific location within the state.
For the best results, you should get your seeds into the ground as soon as the soil can be worked in late winter or early spring. Here’s a more detailed regional breakdown:
- North Georgia (Mountain & Upper Piedmont): Aim for mid-February to late March. Wait for a thaw and for soggy soil to drain.
- Middle Georgia (Piedmont & Metro Atlanta): This is the prime zone. Plant from late January through early March.
- South Georgia (Coastal Plain): You can start earliest here, from mid-January to late February.
A good rule of thumb is to plant your peas about 4 to 6 weeks before your area’s last expected spring frost date. The seeds germinate in cool soil (as low as 40°F) and the seedlings can tolerate a light frost.
Understanding Your Georgia Growing Zone
Georgia spans USDA hardiness zones 6b through 9a. This range significantly impacts your planting calendar. Check your exact zone using the USDA online map. Gardeners in zone 8a (Augusta, Valdosta) can plant much earlier than those in zone 6b (Blairsville, Clayton).
Your local soil temperature is a more precise guide than the calendar. Use a soil thermometer to check at a 2-inch depth. Ideal germination temperature for peas is between 45°F and 75°F, with 60°F being perfect.
Choosing the Right Pea Varieties for Georgia
Selecting varieties suited to the Southeast ensures better disease resistance and heat tolerance. You have three main types to choose from:
- English (Garden) Peas: You shell these for the plump inner peas. Look for ‘Wando’ or ‘Green Arrow,’ which are known for heat resistance.
- Snow Peas: Eaten whole, flat pod and all. ‘Oregon Sugar Pod II’ is a reliable, productive choice.
- Snap Peas: The pod and pea are both sweet and edible. ‘Sugar Snap’ is a classic, but newer varieties like ‘Super Sugar Snap’ have improved disease resistance.
Always check the “days to maturity” on the seed packet. For a spring crop, choose varieties with the shortest number of days, usually 55-70 days, so they finish before summer heat peaks.
Preparing Your Garden Soil
Peas prefer well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0). They are light feeders and, as legumes, they fix their own nitrogen from the air with help from soil bacteria.
To prepare your bed:
- Work the soil when it’s dry enough to not clump. Working wet clay soil damages its structure.
- Incorrate 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure to improve drainage and provide modest nutrients.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage leafy growth at the expense of pods.
- Consider inoculating your seeds with a legume inoculant powder. This coats the seeds with beneficial bacteria that boost nitrogen fixation, leading to healthier, more productive plants. It’s a simple step with great rewards.
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
Follow these steps for a successful planting day:
- Soak Seeds (Optional): Soaking seeds in water for 4-6 hours before planting can speed up germination, especially in drier soil.
- Sowing Depth & Spacing: Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Space rows 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for airflow and easy picking.
- Provide Support: Install trellises, stakes, or netting at planting time. Peas climb using tendrils and will scramble for support. Doing this later disturbs the roots.
- Water Gently: Water the planted row thoroughly but gently to settle the soil without washing seeds away.
- Mulch After Germination: Once seedlings are a few inches tall, apply a light layer of straw or pine straw mulch to conserve moisture and keep soil cool.
Caring for Your Growing Pea Plants
Consistent care is simple but crucial. Water your peas regularly, providing about 1 inch of water per week. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal to keep foliage dry and prevent foliar diseases.
Weed carefully around the shallow roots of pea plants. A thick mulch will help suppress weeds. Watch for common pests like aphids. A strong spray of water from the hose is often enough to dislodge them. For diseases like powdery mildew, which can appear as warmer, humid weather arrives, choose resistant varieties and ensure good air circulation.
When and How to Harvest Your Peas
Harvest timing depends on the pea type. Begin checking plants frequently as pods near maturity.
- English Peas: Harvest when pods are plump and rounded, but still bright green and before they turn dull or waxy.
- Snow Peas: Pick while pods are still very flat, and the tiny peas inside are just barely visible.
- Snap Peas: Wait until pods are plump and the seams are nearly round. They should snap crisply when bent.
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Use two hands to harvest—one to hold the vine and the other to pinch off the pod—to avoid damaging the plant. Peas are at their sweetest right after harvest, so try to pick just before you plan to use them.
Planning for a Fall Crop
In Georgia, you can often plant a second, fall crop of peas. The schedule is trickier, as you need to time planting so peas mature during cooler autumn weather.
Count backwards from your first average fall frost date. Plant fall peas about 8 to 10 weeks before that frost. For most of Georgia, this means a planting window from late August through mid-September. Fall crops can be even more succesful than spring ones if you manage to hit the right window, as pests are often less of a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I plant peas in February in Georgia?
Yes, February is an excellent month to plant peas in most of Georgia, especially in the Middle and Southern regions. North Georgia gardeners should aim for late February.
What is the latest you can plant peas in spring?
The absolute latest is early April for North GA and mid-March for South GA. Later plantings risk the crop maturing during hot weather, which ruins quality.
Do peas need full sun?
Peas prefer full sun (at least 6-8 hours) for maximum production. They can tolerate very light afternoon shade, which can be beneficial in warmer microclimates.
Why are my pea plants yellowing?
Yellowing can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, nutrient deficiency (though rarely nitrogen), or the natural decline of the plant as temperatures rise. Ensure your soil drains well.
Can I grow peas in containers?
Absolutely. Choose a container at least 12 inches deep and wide, ensure it has drainage holes, and use a quality potting mix. Provide a small trellis for support. Container soil dries out faster, so monitor water closely.
By following this optimal spring planting schedule for Georgia, you’ll give your pea plants the best possible start. Remember, the secret is in the timing—getting them in the ground early, caring for them consistently, and harvesting promptly. With a little planning, you’ll enjoy a plentiful harvest of sweet, homegrown peas straight from your garden.