When to Plant Fava Beans in Douglas County, MN
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.
Douglas County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 1,010 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fava Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
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
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Douglas County, MN
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
154 days
Growing Tips for Douglas 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 Douglas County, MN?
Douglas County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, MN?
Douglas County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Douglas County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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