When to Plant Peas in Iowa: A Guide for Gardeners

When to Plant Peas in Iowa

Peas are a delicious and nutritious spring crop that can be grown in Iowa. But when is the best time to plant them?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the variety of pea you’re planting, your local climate, and your planting goals.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best time to plant peas in Iowa, as well as some tips for growing a successful pea crop.

We’ll also cover some of the different varieties of peas that are well-suited for growing in Iowa, and we’ll provide some advice on how to harvest and store your peas.

So if you’re thinking about growing peas in Iowa, read on for all the information you need to know!

When To Plant Peas In Iowa?

| Planting Zone | Ideal Planting Dates | Days to Maturity |
|—|—|—|
| 1-3 | April 15-May 15 | 60-70 days |
| 4-7 | May 1-May 15 | 60-70 days |
| 8-10 | May 15-June 1 | 60-70 days |

The table above shows the ideal planting dates for peas in Iowa, based on USDA plant hardiness zones. The days to maturity are also listed, so you can plan your planting accordingly.

When To Plant Peas In Iowa?

Peas are a cool-season crop that can be grown in Iowa from early spring to late summer. The best time to plant peas depends on the variety you choose, your climate, and your soil type.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Planting Date

• Climate: Peas are best suited for cool, moist climates. In Iowa, you can plant peas as early as March in the southern part of the state and as late as May in the northern part of the state.
• Soil type: Peas prefer a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay, you may need to amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
• Pests and diseases: Peas are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, pea leaf weevils, and powdery mildew. Be sure to monitor your plants for signs of pests and diseases and treat them as needed.
• Varieties of peas: There are many different varieties of peas to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Some varieties are better suited for early spring planting, while others are better suited for late spring planting. Be sure to choose a variety that is well-suited for your climate and growing conditions.

General Planting Guidelines for Peas in Iowa

• Early spring planting (March-April) for a late-summer harvest
• Late spring planting (May-June) for an early-fall harvest
• Plant peas in rows 12-18 inches apart.
• Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep.
• Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart once they have emerged.
• Water peas regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Mulch around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Harvest peas when the pods are plump and green.

Peas are a delicious and nutritious crop that is easy to grow in Iowa. By following these planting guidelines, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of peas all summer long.

Additional tips for growing peas in Iowa:

• Choose a sunny spot for your pea plants.
• Peas are nitrogen-fixing plants, so you don’t need to fertilize them as often as other crops.
• If you’re growing peas for shelling, harvest them when the pods are plump and green, but before the peas inside have started to swell.
• If you’re growing peas for eating fresh, harvest them when the pods are still young and tender.

Peas are a great addition to any garden, and they’re a delicious way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer. So what are you waiting for? Get planting today!

When To Plant Peas In Iowa?

The best time to plant peas in Iowa is in the spring, when the soil has warmed up to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Peas are a cool-weather crop, so they do not do well in hot weather.

Early-maturing varieties of peas can be planted as early as March, while mid-season and late-maturing varieties should be planted in April or May.

Here is a table of specific planting dates for different varieties of peas in Iowa:

| Variety | Planting Date |
|—|—|
| Early-maturing | March-April |
| Mid-season | April-May |
| Late-maturing | May-June |

Specific Planting Dates for Different Varieties of Peas

Early-maturing varieties of peas can be planted as early as March, when the soil has warmed up to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. These varieties will mature in about 60 days, so they are a good choice for gardeners who want to get a early start on their harvest.

Mid-season varieties of peas should be planted in April or May. These varieties will mature in about 70 days, so they are a good choice for gardeners who want to enjoy fresh peas throughout the spring and summer.

Late-maturing varieties of peas should be planted in May or June. These varieties will mature in about 80 days, so they are a good choice for gardeners who want to enjoy fresh peas into the fall.

Tips for Success When Planting Peas in Iowa

Here are a few tips for success when planting peas in Iowa:

• Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Peas do not do well in wet, soggy soil.
• Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart.
• Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
• Protect your peas from pests and diseases.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow a bountiful harvest of peas in Iowa.

Peas are a delicious and nutritious crop that is easy to grow in Iowa. By following the tips in this article, you can enjoy fresh peas from your garden all season long.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• [The University of Iowa Extension’s guide to growing peas](https://extension.uiowa.edu/publications/p/p1311)
• [The Iowa State University Extension’s guide to growing peas](https://www.extension.iastate.edu/publications/pm1385)
• [The National Gardening Association’s guide to growing peas](https://www.gardening.org/learn/grow/vegetables/peas)

  When is the best time to plant peas in Iowa?

The best time to plant peas in Iowa is in early spring, when the soil has warmed to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Peas are a cool-season crop, so they do not tolerate heat well. If you plant them too late in the season, they may not have time to mature before the weather gets too hot.

What variety of peas should I plant?

There are many different varieties of peas available, so it is important to choose one that is well-suited to your growing conditions. If you live in a cold climate, you will want to choose a variety that is resistant to frost. If you live in a warm climate, you will want to choose a variety that matures quickly.

Some popular varieties of peas for Iowa include:

• Early Perfection: This variety matures in about 60 days and is resistant to frost.
• Sugar Snap: This variety is sweet and tender, and it matures in about 65 days.
• Snow Peas: This variety has edible pods, and it matures in about 70 days.

How deep should I plant peas?

Peas should be planted about 1 inch deep. If you plant them too deep, they may not be able to reach the sunlight and will not grow properly.

How much space should I leave between plants?

Peas should be planted about 2 inches apart. If you plant them too close together, they will compete for nutrients and water, and they may not produce as well.

How much water do peas need?

Peas need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water them deeply once or twice a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

What kind of fertilizer do peas need?

Peas do not need a lot of fertilizer, but they can benefit from a side dressing of compost or manure. Apply the fertilizer about 2 weeks after planting, and then again about 6 weeks after planting.

How do I protect peas from pests?

Peas can be susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, pea moths, and pea weevils. To protect your peas from pests, you can:

• Plant your peas in a location that is not sheltered from the wind. This will help to deter aphids.
• Cover your plants with row covers to protect them from pea moths and pea weevils.
• Spray your plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill aphids.

How do I harvest peas?

Peas are ready to harvest when the pods are plump and full. To harvest them, simply snap the pods off the vine. You can eat the peas fresh, or you can freeze them for later use.

When to plant peas in Iowa is a question that many gardeners have. The answer depends on a few factors, including the variety of peas you are planting, the last frost date in your area, and your desired harvest date.

In general, peas can be planted in Iowa from early April to early May. However, if you are planting a late-season variety of peas, you may need to wait until the end of May or early June. The last frost date in Iowa is typically around April 15, so you will want to make sure that the weather has warmed up enough before planting your peas.

If you are planting peas for a spring harvest, you will want to plant them as early as possible. This will give them time to mature before the heat of summer sets in. If you are planting peas for a fall harvest, you can wait until the weather has cooled down a bit.

Here are a few tips for planting peas in Iowa:

• Choose a sunny spot in your garden. Peas need full sun to produce well.
• The soil should be well-drained and fertile. Peas do not tolerate wet soil.
• Peas are heavy feeders, so add compost or fertilizer to the soil before planting.
• Plant peas about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart.
• Water the peas regularly, especially during dry spells.

Peas are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden. With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh peas from your own garden all summer long.

Key Takeaways:

• Peas can be planted in Iowa from early April to early May.
• The last frost date in Iowa is typically around April 15, so you will want to make sure that the weather has warmed up enough before planting your peas.
• Peas need full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering.
• Peas are heavy feeders, so add compost or fertilizer to the soil before planting.
• Plant peas about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart.
• Water the peas regularly, especially during dry spells.