How not to plant English/Garden peas...

I've had 2 new gardens over the last 3 years and have planted peas too early each time. Up North (North-shore Massachusetts), it was simple:

1.) Wait for ground to show through snow

2.) Push peas into ground without disturbing the soil around them

3.) Peas grow.

It's not like that here (border SC/NC). The ground is visible all winter long and if you plant them too early they rot. Too late, and they seem to die of the heat before you can harvest.

In NC, I planted Feb 1st and they rotted in the ground. Fortunately I only planted half and was able to plant again around Feb 22nd, and they grew fine. I also sprinkled some dirt from the roots of clover around as my innoculant the second time.

Clemson SC extension service said that for the piedmont, plant English/Garden peas Jan 1-15. I planted on the 15th and I'm still waiting...