Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in Connecticut

One of the earliest crops you can plant. Kids love picking and eating them right off the vine.

The Short Answer

Peas are cold-tolerant and do well in Connecticut's varied climate. You can direct sow 6 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as May 1 - May 15 in Northern Connecticut. Connecticut gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Rocky New England soil common. Acidic in many areas. Raised beds popular for dealing with rocky...

Connecticut Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Connecticut you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region	Zones	Last Frost (Spring)	First Frost (Fall)
Northern Connecticut	5b, 6a	May 1 - May 15	Sep 25 - Oct 10
Coastal Connecticut	6b, 7a	Apr 15 - May 1	Oct 10 - Oct 25

Peas Planting Schedule for Connecticut

Northern Connecticut (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

Direct Sow

6 wks before frost

Fall Planting

8 wks before first frost

Coastal Connecticut (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 1 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Direct Sow

6 wks before frost

Fall Planting

8 wks before first frost

Growing Peas in Connecticut

Peas in Connecticut's Climate

Peas are your first spring crop — direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Production continues until temperatures consistently exceed 80°F, usually by late June. Fall peas from an August sowing produce well into October. Provide trellising for climbing varieties.

Soil Considerations for Connecticut

Rocky New England soil common. Acidic in many areas. Raised beds popular for dealing with rocky ground.

Connecticut Climate & Growing Season

Four distinct seasons. Maritime influence moderates coastal temperatures. Shorter growing season inland. Peas can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Connecticut's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Connecticut: Northern Connecticut (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Coastal Connecticut (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 15 - May 1. This difference matters for peas — but peas handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.

Growing Tips

Direct sow as early as the soil can be worked. Inoculate with rhizobium for bigger harvests. Provide a trellis for climbing varieties.

Companion Planting

Plant peas alongside these companions for better growth:

Carrots Radishes Corn Cucumbers

Keep peas away from:

Onions Garlic

The Bottom Line

Peas can be grown successfully across Connecticut, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Connecticut gardeners should plan around a May 1 - May 15 last frost, while those in Coastal Connecticut can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026