When to Plant Fava Beans in Ramsey 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.
Ramsey County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 1,059 feet, Ramsey County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fava Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Ramsey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Fava Beans
Fava Beans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Fava Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ramsey County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Ramsey County, MN
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Aug 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 17 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors 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
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
169 days in Ramsey County
Growing Tips for Ramsey 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Fava Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fava Beans in Ramsey County, MN?
Ramsey County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ramsey County, MN?
Ramsey County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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