Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in Massachusetts

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 Massachusetts's varied climate. You can direct sow 6 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as May 1 - May 20 in Western Massachusetts. Massachusetts gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Rocky, acidic New England soils. Glacial deposits. Raised beds popular. Amend heavily with compost.

Massachusetts Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Massachusetts 5b, 6a May 1 - May 20 Sep 20 - Oct 10
Central Massachusetts 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Coastal/Cape 6b, 7a Apr 15 - May 1 Oct 15 - Nov 1

Peas Planting Schedule for Massachusetts

Western Massachusetts (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 10

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

Central Massachusetts (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/Cape (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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

Growing Peas in Massachusetts

Peas in Massachusetts'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 Massachusetts

Rocky, acidic New England soils. Glacial deposits. Raised beds popular. Amend heavily with compost.

Massachusetts Climate & Growing Season

Four seasons. Maritime influence moderates coastal areas. Cold winters. Good growing season with adequate moisture. Peas can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Massachusetts's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Massachusetts: Western Massachusetts (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 20, while Coastal/Cape (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 Massachusetts, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Western Massachusetts gardeners should plan around a May 1 - May 20 last frost, while those in Coastal/Cape 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 Massachusetts Planting Calendar All plants for Massachusetts 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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