Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in Maryland

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 Maryland's humid climate. You can direct sow 6 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as May 1 - May 15 in Western Maryland. Maryland gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils...

Maryland Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Maryland 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Central Maryland 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Eastern Shore 7a, 7b, 8a Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 20 - Nov 5

Peas Planting Schedule for Maryland

Western Maryland (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

Central Maryland (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Direct Sow
6 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Eastern Shore (Zones 7a, 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

Direct Sow
6 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Peas in Maryland

Peas in Maryland'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 Maryland

Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils along river valleys.

Maryland Climate & Growing Season

Moderate climate with four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Good growing season. Diverse growing conditions across the state. Peas can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Maryland's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Maryland: Western Maryland (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Eastern Shore (7a, 7b, 8a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. 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 Maryland, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Western Maryland gardeners should plan around a May 1 - May 15 last frost, while those in Eastern Shore can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Peas Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Maryland Planting Calendar All plants for Maryland Peas in Alabama Alabama planting dates Peas in Alaska Alaska planting dates Peas in Arizona Arizona planting dates Peas in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
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

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