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When to Plant Edamame in Adams County, WA

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.

Adams County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.

At an elevation of 2,402 feet, Adams County receives approximately 17.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Edamame during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Edamame successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Adams County, WA (Zone 6b) Short season
149 days
Last Spring Frost May 7
149 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Adams County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (33 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Aug 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (30 days to spare)
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Sep 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Aug 7 – Sep 18

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 Adams County

How your county's soil matches Edamame's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7โ€“6.4) overlaps with Edamame's range (6.0โ€“7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Adams County is excellent for Edamame โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (5.3%) โ€” Edamame will thrive.

How to Plant Edamame

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Edamame

2
successive plantings in your 149-day season

Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 25 to harvest before frost.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.9″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 665 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Monthly Watering Guide for Edamame

Edamame needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Edamame Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 2.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 3.9" 0.8" 3.1" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jun 3.9" 0.6" 3.3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 3.9" 0.3" 3.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 3.9" 0.4" 3.5" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep 3.9" 0.6" 3.3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct 3.9" 1.6" 2.3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov โ€” 2.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Oct in Adams County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Edamame Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Edamame needs ~1,597 GDD — county provides 2,719 GDD Excellent fit

Edamame Planting Timeline โ€” Adams County, WA

Edamame Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 14 May 14 โ€“ Jun 4
Harvest July 30 Jul 30 โ€“ Sep 10

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 Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

0.9"/week ยท 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

75โ€“100 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

149 days in Adams County

Growing Tips for Edamame in Adams County

Direct sow Edamame outdoors after May 07 in Adams 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.

Adams County receives only 17" of rain annually. Edamame needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Edamame in Adams County, WA?

Adams County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Edamame planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Adams County, WA?

Adams County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Adams 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 Adams County, WA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.