When to Plant Soybeans in San Francisco County, CA
Soybeans (edamame) are a high-protein legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. Fresh green soybeans harvested at the edamame stage are a nutritious snack.
San Francisco County, California is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 412 feet, San Francisco County receives approximately 13.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Soybeans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
San Francisco County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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
Soybeans Planting Timeline — San Francisco County, CA
Soybeans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 23 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jul 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
80–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 10b
Growing Season
277 days
Growing Tips for San Francisco County
Direct sow after soil warms to 60F. Plant in blocks rather than rows for better pollination. Harvest for edamame when pods are plump and bright green.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Soybeans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Soybeans in San Francisco County, CA?
San Francisco County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of February 23. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is San Francisco County, CA?
San Francisco County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is February 23 and first fall frost is November 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help San Francisco County gardeners in Zone 10b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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