When to Plant Fava Beans in Calloway County, KY
Fava beans are a cool-season legume with large, meaty beans inside thick pods. They fix nitrogen in the soil and are one of the oldest cultivated crops.
Calloway County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 2,755 feet, Calloway County receives approximately 42 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Fava Beans during the growing season.
Calloway County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.9
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 Calloway County
How your county's soil matches Fava Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.9) overlaps with Fava Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Calloway County is excellent for Fava Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Fava Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Fava Beans.
How to Plant Fava Beans
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Fava Beans
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 20.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Calloway County, KY
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Direct Sow | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 12 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Aug 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
75–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Calloway County
Growing Tips for Fava Beans in Calloway County
Direct sow Fava Beans outdoors after April 05 in Calloway County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Fava Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow as early as soil can be worked in spring. Pinch growing tips when pods begin to form to redirect energy and reduce aphid problems. Stake tall varieties.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Fava Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fava Beans in Calloway County, KY?
Calloway County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Calloway County, KY?
Calloway County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Calloway County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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