When to Plant Edamame in Stark County, IL
Edamame are soybeans harvested at the immature green stage for a sweet, nutty snack. They are high in protein and easy to grow in warm climates.
Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 1,071 feet, Stark County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Edamame to ensure they mature before fall.
Stark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Stark County
How your county's soil matches Edamame's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.9) is within Edamame's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Stark County is excellent for Edamame — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Edamame will thrive.
How to Plant Edamame
Succession Planting Edamame
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 04 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Edamame Planting Timeline — Stark County, IL
Edamame Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
75–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Stark County
Growing Tips for Edamame in Stark County
Direct sow Edamame outdoors after April 21 in Stark County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Edamame in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow after soil is warm. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen. Harvest when pods are plump and bright green but before they start to yellow. Steam or boil pods before eating.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Edamame in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Edamame in Stark County, IL?
Stark County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Edamame planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stark County, IL?
Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Stark County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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