Rainline Garden

When to plant peas in Astoria, OR

Plant peas from seed, directly in the garden in Astoria, Mar 25 – May 6.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Astoria's typical last spring frost is March 26. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. On the coast, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about March 25.

Coast. Mild winters but cool, foggy summers. Frost is rarely the problem; warmth is. Pick early, cool-tolerant varieties of tomatoes and squash.

Difficulty
Easy
Sun
Full sun; tolerates light shade
Spacing
2 inches apart along a trellis
Planting depth
1 inch deep
Frost
Handles light frost
First harvest
About 65 days after planting

Step by step

  1. Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant seeds Mar 25 – May 6, 1 inch deep, 2 inches apart along a trellis.
  3. Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
  4. Harvest: Pick snap and snow peas when pods are plump but still crisp, every two or three days.

Varieties that do well here

  • Oregon Sugar Pod II (bred at OSU)
  • Sugar Snap
  • Green Arrow

Watch out for

Birds and slugs go after young shoots. Cover rows with netting until plants are a few inches tall.

Germinate in cool soil (about 40-50°F). Get them in early; they stall in summer heat.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Astoria, OR?

Typically March 26. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 18. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Astoria Regional Airport.

Is it too late to plant peas in Astoria?

The spring planting window runs through May 6. Later plantings tend to struggle in summer heat.

How long until I can harvest peas?

About 65 days after planting. Pick snap and snow peas when pods are plump but still crisp, every two or three days.

Also plant in Astoria around the same time

Planting dates for peas in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Astoria · Peas in every city