Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Peas in Ohio

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

The Short Answer

Peas are Ohio's earliest garden crop — they can go in the ground while snow is still melting, weeks before any other seed is viable. Ohio gardeners who get peas in by mid-March in the south or early April in the north are rewarded with sweet, crunchy pods before Memorial Day.

Ohio Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Ohio 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Ohio 6a, 6b Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Ohio 6b Apr 15 - Apr 30 Oct 15 - Oct 30

Peas Planting Schedule for Ohio

Northern Ohio (Zones 5b, 6a)

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

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

Central Ohio (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

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

Southern Ohio (Zones 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - Apr 30 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Oct 30

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

Growing Peas in Ohio

State-Specific Growing Tips

Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring — as early as mid-March in southern Ohio, early April in the north. Peas germinate in soil as cool as 40°F. Inoculate seeds with Rhizobium bacteria for better nitrogen fixation. Provide a trellis for climbing varieties — even 'bush' types benefit from support. Peas hate heat: they stop producing when temps consistently exceed 80°F, usually by late June in Ohio. For a fall crop, sow in early August.

Recommended Varieties for Ohio

Sugar Snap for edible pods. Oregon Sugar Pod II for flat snow peas. Green Arrow for shelling peas. Wando is the most heat-tolerant variety — useful for extending the spring harvest. Ohio State Extension recommends early planting for maximum yield before heat arrives.

Common Challenges in Ohio

Heat-induced decline is the main 'problem' — it's not really a disease, just the crop's biology. Powdery mildew in humid conditions. Pea aphids. Root rot in waterlogged clay — raised beds help. Don't follow peas with beans in the same spot — they share diseases.

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 in Ohio with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern Ohio gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Southern Ohio sees frost end around Apr 15 - Apr 30. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 Ohio Planting Calendar All plants for Ohio 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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