Rainline Garden

When to plant peas in Baker City, OR

Plant peas from seed, directly in the garden in Baker City, Apr 20 – Jun 1.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Baker City's typical last spring frost is May 25. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the high desert and mountains, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 20.

High desert and mountains. Central and high eastern Oregon. Frost is possible almost any month. Use row covers, wall-o-water or cloches for warm crops, and choose short-season varieties.

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 Apr 20 – Jun 1, 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
  • 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 Baker City, OR?

Typically May 25. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 16. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Baker City Municipal Airport.

Is it too late to plant peas in Baker City?

The spring planting window runs through June 1. 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 Baker City around the same time

Planting dates for peas in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Baker City · Peas in every city