When to Plant Fava Beans in Ocean County, NJ
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.
Ocean County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 82 feet, Ocean County receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Fava Beans during the growing season.
Ocean County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
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 — Ocean County, NJ
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Aug 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
202 days
Growing Tips for Ocean 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 Ocean County, NJ?
Ocean County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ocean County, NJ?
Ocean County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ocean County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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