When to Plant Fava Beans in Blaine County, NE
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.
Blaine County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 694 feet, Blaine County receives approximately 29.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fava Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Blaine County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.7
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 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Blaine County, NE
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Fall Sowing | July 10 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Sep 9 |
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 | — |
| 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 4b
Growing Season
142 days
Growing Tips for Blaine 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 Blaine County, NE?
Blaine County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Blaine County, NE?
Blaine County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Blaine County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.