When to Plant Fava Beans in Graves 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.
Graves County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 1,433 feet, Graves County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Fava Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fava Beans root diseases.
Graves County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.9
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Graves County, KY
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Harvest | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jul 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
75–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
217 days
Growing Tips for Graves County
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 Graves County, KY?
Graves County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Graves County, KY?
Graves County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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