When to Plant Peas in Wisconsin
One of the earliest crops you can plant. Kids love picking and eating them right off the vine.
The Short Answer
Wisconsin Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Wisconsin you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Wisconsin | 3b, 4a | May 15 - Jun 1 | Sep 10 - Sep 25 |
| Central Wisconsin | 4a, 4b | May 5 - May 20 | Sep 20 - Oct 5 |
| Southern Wisconsin | 4b, 5a, 5b | Apr 25 - May 10 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
Peas Planting Schedule for Wisconsin
Northern Wisconsin (Zones 3b, 4a)
Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25
Central Wisconsin (Zones 4a, 4b)
Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 5
Southern Wisconsin (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)
Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15
Growing Peas in Wisconsin
Peas in Wisconsin's Climate
Your cool climate is pea paradise. Direct sow as soon as soil thaws — peas germinate in soil as cool as 40°F and handle frost without flinching. Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota gardeners often get the longest pea season in the country because their moderate summer temperatures delay the heat-induced decline that ends pea production rapidly in warmer zones.
Soil Considerations for Wisconsin
Rich agricultural soils in southern half. Sandy soils in central plain. Heavy clay in some lake regions. Generally fertile.
Wisconsin Climate & Growing Season
Cold winters. Warm summers. Lake Michigan moderates eastern climate. Good growing season in south. Short season in north. Peas can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Wisconsin's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Wisconsin: Northern Wisconsin (3b, 4a) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southern Wisconsin (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around Apr 25 - May 10. 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