When to Plant Soybeans in Sutter 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.
Sutter County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 484 feet, Sutter County receives approximately 21.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season.
Sutter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Sutter County
How your county's soil matches Soybeans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.7) is more alkaline than Soybeans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sutter County is excellent for Soybeans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Soybeans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Soybeans.
How to Plant Soybeans
Succession Planting Soybeans
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Soybeans
Soybeans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Soybeans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sutter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Soybeans Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Soybeans Planting Timeline — Sutter County, CA
Soybeans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 11 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jul 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Sutter County
Growing Tips for Soybeans in Sutter County
Direct sow Soybeans outdoors after March 04 in Sutter County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Soybeans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Sutter County receives only 21" of rain annually. Soybeans needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Soybeans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Soybeans in Sutter County, CA?
Sutter County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sutter County, CA?
Sutter County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Sutter County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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