When to Plant Fava Beans in McCone County, MT
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.
McCone County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.
At an elevation of 5,568 feet, McCone County receives approximately 22 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fava Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
McCone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.2
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 — McCone County, MT
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Sep 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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
131 days
Growing Tips for McCone 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 McCone County, MT?
McCone County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McCone County, MT?
McCone County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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