When to Plant Fava Beans in Nance 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.
Nance County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 797 feet, Nance County receives approximately 23.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fava Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Nance County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.4
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 — Nance County, NE
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Fall Sowing | July 30 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing 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 5a
Growing Season
164 days
Growing Tips for Nance 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 Nance County, NE?
Nance County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nance County, NE?
Nance County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Nance County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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