When to Plant Fava Beans in Deaf Smith County, TX
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.
Deaf Smith County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 4,473 feet, Deaf Smith County receives approximately 49 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Fava Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Fava Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Deaf Smith County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.7-8.4
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 — Deaf Smith County, TX
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 13 |
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 | — |
| June | — |
| July | 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 7a
Growing Season
191 days
Growing Tips for Deaf Smith 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 Deaf Smith County, TX?
Deaf Smith County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Deaf Smith County, TX?
Deaf Smith County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 24.
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