Maryland’s position between north and south means you can often plant peas in both early spring and late summer for a fall harvest. Knowing the best time to plant peas in maryland depends on your specific zone and the pea variety you choose. This guide gives you exact dates, soil temps, and step-by-step instructions for a successful crop.
Peas love cool weather. They stop producing when it gets hot. That’s why timing is everything in Maryland, where spring can be short and summers humid. You want to get them in the ground as soon as the soil is workable.
Let’s break down exactly when to plant peas in Maryland for spring and fall. We’ll cover soil temperature, frost dates, and variety selection.
Understanding Maryland’s Growing Zones
Maryland spans USDA hardiness zones 5b in the far west to 8a on the Eastern Shore. This affects your planting window by a few weeks. Western Maryland (Garrett County) stays cooler longer. The coastal areas warm up faster.
Check your specific zone before planting. The general rule: plant peas 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date. For fall, plant 8-10 weeks before your first expected frost.
Zone 5B And 6A: Western Maryland
These areas have late springs and early falls. Your last frost date is typically around May 10-20. First frost comes in early to mid-October.
- Spring planting: March 20 to April 10
- Fall planting: August 1 to August 15
Zone 6B And 7A: Central Maryland
This includes Baltimore, Washington DC suburbs, and Frederick. Last frost is usually April 10-20. First frost is mid-to-late October.
- Spring planting: March 10 to April 1
- Fall planting: August 10 to September 1
Zone 7B And 8A: Southern Maryland And Eastern Shore
These areas have milder winters and earlier springs. Last frost is around March 25 to April 5. First frost comes in late October or early November.
- Spring planting: February 25 to March 20
- Fall planting: August 20 to September 10
Best Time To Plant Peas In Maryland
The exact keyword phrase for this article is “Best Time To Plant Peas In Maryland”. For spring, that window is typically mid-March to early April for most of the state. For fall, it’s mid-August to early September.
But soil temperature matters more than the calendar. Peas germinate best when soil is between 40°F and 70°F. They can handle light frosts and even snow. Hot soil above 80°F stops germination.
Use a soil thermometer. Insert it 2 inches deep. If it reads at least 40°F, you can plant. Don’t wait too long. Peas need 60-70 days of cool weather to mature.
Spring Planting: Exact Dates By Region
Here are specific dates for spring planting across Maryland. These are averages. Adjust based on your microclimate and current weather.
- Western MD (zones 5b-6a): March 25 to April 10
- Central MD (zones 6b-7a): March 15 to April 1
- Southern MD & Eastern Shore (zones 7b-8a): March 1 to March 20
If you miss the spring window, don’t worry. You can still plant peas for a fall harvest. Just choose the right variety.
Fall Planting: Timing For A Second Harvest
Fall peas taste sweeter because cooler temps concentrate sugars. The key is to plant so they mature before the first hard freeze. Peas need about 60 days from planting to harvest.
Count back 10-12 weeks from your first expected frost date. For most of Maryland, that means planting in August.
- Western MD: August 1-15
- Central MD: August 10-25
- Southern MD & Eastern Shore: August 20-September 5
Fall planting can be tricky because August is hot. Keep soil moist. Use shade cloth if temps are above 85°F. Some gardeners pre-sprout seeds indoors to get a head start.
Choosing The Right Pea Variety For Maryland
Not all peas are the same. Some handle heat better. Others mature faster. For Maryland’s climate, choose varieties that mature in 55-70 days.
Shelling Peas (English Peas)
These need the most time. Good for spring planting. Popular varieties include:
- Lincoln: 65 days, reliable in cool weather
- Green Arrow: 62 days, disease resistant
- Wando: 70 days, heat tolerant for late spring
Snow Peas
These are eaten pod and all. They mature faster. Great for both spring and fall.
- Oregon Sugar Pod II: 60 days, disease resistant
- Golden Sweet: 60 days, yellow pods
Snap Peas
These have edible pods with full-sized peas. Very popular for home gardens.
- Super Sugar Snap: 65 days, classic flavor
- Sugar Ann: 55 days, early maturing
- Sugar Daddy: 60 days, stringless
For fall planting, choose early maturing varieties. Sugar Ann or Oregon Sugar Pod II work well. They need fewer days to harvest.
Soil Preparation For Peas
Peas are legumes. They fix nitrogen from the air. So they don’t need high-nitrogen fertilizer. Too much nitrogen gives you leaves but few pods.
Prepare your soil 2-3 weeks before planting. Peas prefer well-draining soil with pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost if your soil is heavy clay.
Steps To Prepare Your Pea Bed
- Choose a sunny spot. Peas need at least 6 hours of direct sun.
- Remove weeds and rocks. Peas have shallow roots.
- Loosen soil to 8-10 inches deep.
- Mix in 1-2 inches of compost or aged manure.
- Add a light dusting of bone meal for phosphorus.
- Rake smooth and water well.
Don’t add synthetic nitrogen. Peas make their own. Too much nitrogen causes lush vines but few flowers.
How To Plant Peas
Planting peas is simple. But a few tricks improve germination and yield. Follow these steps.
Seed Preparation
Pea seeds have a hard coat. Soaking them overnight speeds germination. But don’t soak more than 12 hours or they rot.
Some gardeners use an inoculant. This is a powder containing beneficial bacteria. It helps peas fix nitrogen. Inoculant is cheap and increases yields. Mix seeds with inoculant just before planting.
Planting Depth And Spacing
Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep. Deeper in sandy soil, shallower in clay. Space seeds 2 inches apart in rows. Rows should be 18-24 inches apart.
For bush varieties, you can scatter seeds in a wide row. Space them 3-4 inches apart each direction. This creates a self-supporting mat.
For climbing varieties, install a trellis or netting at planting time. Peas climb with tendrils. They need something to grab onto.
Watering After Planting
Water thoroughly after planting. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Peas need consistent moisture for germination. If soil dries out, seeds may not sprout.
In spring, you may not need to water much. Rain usually provides enough. In fall, you’ll need to water regularly until temperatures cool.
Caring For Pea Plants
Peas are low maintenance. But a little care goes a long way. Here’s what to do after planting.
Thinning Seedlings
Once seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin them. Remove weaker plants. Leave 4-6 inches between plants for bush varieties. Leave 3-4 inches for climbing varieties.
Don’t pull thinned plants. Cut them at soil level. Pulling disturbs roots of nearby plants.
Mulching
Mulch helps keep soil cool and moist. Peas like cool roots. Apply 2-3 inches of straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves after thinning.
Mulch also suppresses weeds. Peas don’t compete well with weeds. Keep the bed weed-free for best yields.
Supporting Climbing Varieties
Climbing peas need support. Install trellis, netting, or bamboo stakes. Do this at planting time. Adding support later damages roots.
Pea tendrils will grab onto anything thin. Use netting with 2-4 inch holes. Or use twine strung between posts.
Watering
Peas need about 1 inch of water per week. More during flowering and pod set. Water at soil level to prevent disease. Drip irrigation works best.
Overhead watering can cause powdery mildew. This is common in Maryland’s humid summers. Water in the morning so leaves dry by nightfall.
Common Problems Growing Peas In Maryland
Maryland’s climate presents some challenges. Here are common issues and solutions.
Powdery Mildew
This fungal disease appears as white powder on leaves. It thrives in humid weather. To prevent it:
- Plant resistant varieties like Oregon Sugar Pod II
- Space plants for good air circulation
- Water at soil level, not on leaves
- Apply sulfur spray at first sign
Pea Weevils
These small beetles eat pea leaves and flowers. They’re more common in late spring. Use row covers to exclude them. Or spray with neem oil.
Birds
Birds love pea seedlings. They pull them up right after sprouting. Use bird netting or floating row covers until plants are 6 inches tall.
Heat Stress
When temps exceed 85°F, peas stop flowering. This is why spring planting must be early. For fall planting, choose heat-tolerant varieties like Wando.
Harvesting Peas
Harvest time depends on the variety. Check seed packet for days to maturity. But visual cues are better.
When To Harvest Shelling Peas
Pick when pods are plump and bright green. The peas inside should be round but not too large. Overripe peas become starchy and tough.
Test by squeezing a pod. If you feel peas through the pod, it’s ready. Harvest every 2-3 days to encourage more production.
When To Harvest Snow Peas
Pick when pods are flat and just starting to show tiny peas inside. They should be crisp and tender. Don’t let them get fat.
When To Harvest Snap Peas
Pick when pods are plump and rounded, like shelling peas. But the pod is edible. They should snap when bent.
Harvest in the morning when peas are crisp. Use two hands to avoid damaging vines. Refrigerate immediately. Peas lose sweetness quickly after picking.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
To extend your pea harvest, plant in succession. This means planting small batches every 2 weeks. For spring, plant your first batch in mid-March. Plant another in early April. A third in mid-April.
For fall, plant your first batch in mid-August. Plant another in late August. This gives you peas from late September through October.
Succession planting works best with early maturing varieties. Use Sugar Ann or Oregon Sugar Pod II for later plantings. They need fewer days to mature.
Fall Pea Planting Tips For Maryland
Fall peas can be more challenging than spring peas. August heat stresses young plants. Here are tips for success.
Start Seeds Indoors
Start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before your fall planting date. Use small pots or seed trays. Keep them in a cool spot. Transplant when seedlings are 3-4 inches tall.
This gives them a head start before hot weather. They’ll establish faster in the garden.
Provide Shade
Use shade cloth to protect young plants from afternoon sun. Remove it after 2 weeks when plants are established. This prevents heat stress.
Keep Soil Cool
Mulch heavily with straw or grass clippings. This keeps soil temperature down. Water deeply in the morning. Avoid watering in the heat of the day.
Choose Early Varieties
For fall, use varieties that mature in 55-60 days. Sugar Ann, Oregon Sugar Pod II, and Early Frosty are good choices. They’ll produce before frost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant peas in Maryland in May?
It’s risky. May is usually too warm for peas in most of Maryland. Soil temperatures above 70°F reduce germination. If you must plant in May, choose heat-tolerant varieties like Wando. Provide shade and keep soil cool.
What is the latest I can plant peas in Maryland for fall?
For most of Maryland, the latest planting date is September 1. For western Maryland, it’s August 15. For the Eastern Shore, you can push to September 10. Count back 60 days from your first expected frost date.
Do peas need full sun in Maryland?
Peas prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. In Maryland’s hot summers, afternoon shade can actually help. It keeps plants cooler and extends the harvest. Aim for at least 6 hours of morning sun.
How long do peas take to grow in Maryland?
Most pea varieties take 55-70 days from planting to harvest. Shelling peas take longer. Snow and snap peas mature faster. Fall peas may take a few extra days because of cooler temperatures.
Can I plant peas in containers in Maryland?
Yes. Use containers at least 12 inches deep. Choose bush varieties like Sugar Ann or Little Marvel. Provide a small trellis for support. Water more frequently because containers dry out faster.
Final Tips For Success
Plant peas as soon as soil is workable in spring. Don’t wait for perfect weather. Peas can handle frost and snow. They actually taste better after a light frost.
For fall, plant early enough so peas mature before frost. But not so early that they suffer in August heat. Use shade and mulch to help them through.
Rotate your pea beds each year. Don’t plant peas in the same spot more than once every 3 years. This prevents soil-borne diseases. Peas also leave nitrogen in the soil. Follow them with heavy feeders like corn or tomatoes.
Harvest peas frequently. This encourages more pod production. Peas left on the vine signal the plant to stop producing. Check your garden every 2-3 days during peak season.
Store peas in the refrigerator. Eat them within a few days for best flavor. You can also blanch and freeze them. Frozen peas last up to 12 months.
Growing peas in Maryland is rewarding. The cool spring and fall weather is ideal. With proper timing, you can enjoy fresh peas from your garden twice a year. Start with the right variety, prepare your soil, and plant at the correct time. Your taste buds will thank you.