Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in New Jersey

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 New Jersey's varied climate. You can direct sow 6 weeks before your last frost — that's as early as Apr 20 - May 5 in Northern New Jersey. New Jersey gardeners can also plant a fall crop. Sandy soils in Pine Barrens. Clay in north. Acidic in south. Rich loam in central agricultural...

New Jersey Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern New Jersey 6a, 6b Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 5 - Oct 20
Central New Jersey 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 15 - Nov 1
Southern New Jersey 7a, 7b Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 20 - Nov 5

Peas Planting Schedule for New Jersey

Northern New Jersey (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 20

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

Central New Jersey (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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

Southern New Jersey (Zones 7a, 7b)

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 New Jersey

Peas in New Jersey'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 New Jersey

Sandy soils in Pine Barrens. Clay in north. Acidic in south. Rich loam in central agricultural areas. The Garden State for good reason.

New Jersey Climate & Growing Season

Moderate climate with maritime influence. Good growing season. Four seasons. Excellent for a wide range of crops. Peas can handle frost well, which is an advantage in New Jersey's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across New Jersey: Northern New Jersey (6a, 6b) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern New Jersey (7a, 7b) 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 New Jersey, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern New Jersey gardeners should plan around a Apr 20 - May 5 last frost, while those in Southern New Jersey 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 New Jersey Planting Calendar All plants for New Jersey 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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