When to Plant Peas in New York
One of the earliest crops you can plant. Kids love picking and eating them right off the vine.
The Short Answer
New York Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of New York you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adirondacks | 3b, 4a, 4b | May 20 - Jun 5 | Sep 5 - Sep 20 |
| Capital Region/Hudson Valley | 5a, 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
| New York City/Long Island | 7a, 7b | Apr 5 - Apr 20 | Oct 20 - Nov 10 |
| Western New York | 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
Peas Planting Schedule for New York
Adirondacks (Zones 3b, 4a, 4b)
Average last frost: May 20 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20
Capital Region/Hudson Valley (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
New York City/Long Island (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 10
Western New York (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
Growing Peas in New York
Peas in New York'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 York
Diverse soils. Rich agricultural land in western NY and Hudson Valley. Rocky in Adirondacks. Clay in some areas.
New York Climate & Growing Season
Wide climate variation. NYC has mild winters. Adirondacks have very short seasons. Lake effect modifies weather near Great Lakes. Peas can handle frost well, which is an advantage in New York's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across New York: Adirondacks (3b, 4a, 4b) has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Western New York (5b, 6a) sees frost end around May 1 - May 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:
Keep peas away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026