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When to Plant Fava Beans in Yoakum 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.

Yoakum County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.

At an elevation of 4,523 feet, Yoakum County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Fava Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Fava Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fava Beans root diseases.

Yoakum County, TX (Zone 7a) Long season
213 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
213 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Yoakum County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.6-8.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (95 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Mar 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 12 – Jul 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (94 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 2 Transplant: Apr 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (96 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Aug 15

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Fava Beans needs ~1,859 GDD — county provides 4,526 GDD Excellent fit

Fava Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Yoakum County, TX

Fava Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 2 Mar 2 โ€“ Mar 16
Transplant Outdoors April 6 Apr 6 โ€“ Apr 20
Direct Sow March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 13
Fall Sowing August 27 Aug 27 โ€“ Sep 10
Harvest June 22 Jun 22 โ€“ Aug 3

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

75โ€“100 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7a

Growing Season

213 days

Growing Tips for Yoakum 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Fava Beans in Yoakum County, TX?

Yoakum County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Yoakum County, TX?

Yoakum County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 5.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Yoakum County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.