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When to Plant Edamame in Licking County, OH

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.

Licking County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.

At an elevation of 880 feet, Licking County receives approximately 31.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Edamame during the growing season.

Licking County, OH (Zone 5b) Moderate season
178 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
178 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Licking County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (63 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Aug 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (59 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Aug 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (54 days to spare)
Transplant: May 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Sep 8

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.7″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,072 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Edamame needs ~1,334 GDD — county provides 2,714 GDD Excellent fit

Edamame Planting Timeline โ€” Licking County, OH

Edamame Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 โ€“ May 22
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 โ€“ Aug 28

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

75โ€“100 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

178 days

Growing Tips for Licking County

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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Edamame in Licking County, OH?

Licking County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Edamame planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Licking County, OH?

Licking County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 19.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Licking County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Licking County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.