I live near cookeville tn and want to now what is the best time to plant peas. Do i need to check out the temperature of the soil? Besides epsom salt are there any organic fertilizers?

thanks!

spikee dee

Welcome to ATP! We have a wonderful aid here on ATP. On the left, click on "Goodies", then click on "Garden Planting Calendar". You put in your zipcode and it gives you the dates you can plant various veggies. I grabbed 38501 for you, and it says peas can go in on Feb 25. I'm not sure if that is your exact zip, but you can do it again.
Have fun!

Peas can get a very early start. Pretty much if the ground is workable (not frozen solid) then peas can be started. They definitely prefer cooler temps and will perform much better if grown before the real heat of summer comes on. They also make a nice fall/early winter crop.

I plant peas when the frogs start singing. That ranges from early February to mid March.

It really does just depend on your weather. Peas love growing in cool weather, and can take some frost once they're up and growing, but frost will kill new seedlings. If you're prepared to cover up your baby plants for a few weeks in early spring IF there's a late frost, you could plant as soon as the night temperatures are generally staying above freezing.

@sjs3putts. You have some good information here about growing peas.