Blog

When to Plant Edamame in Cumberland County, PA

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.

Cumberland County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.

At an elevation of 463 feet, Cumberland County receives approximately 47.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Edamame during the growing season.

Cumberland County, PA (Zone 6b) Moderate season
190 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
190 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Cumberland County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (70 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Jun 28 – Aug 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (71 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Aug 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (58 days to spare)
Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Sep 6

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Edamame needs ~1,597 GDD — county provides 3,467 GDD Excellent fit

Edamame Planting Timeline โ€” Cumberland County, PA

Edamame Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 14
Harvest July 9 Jul 9 โ€“ Aug 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Direct Sow
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 6b

Growing Season

190 days

Growing Tips for Cumberland 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 Cumberland County, PA?

Cumberland County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Edamame planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cumberland County, PA?

Cumberland County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 23.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cumberland County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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