When to Plant Soybeans in Stearns County, MN
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.
Stearns County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 772 feet, Stearns County receives approximately 37.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Soybeans to ensure they mature before fall.
Stearns County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Soybeans Planting Timeline — Stearns County, MN
Soybeans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Oct 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
156 days
Growing Tips for Stearns 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 Stearns County, MN?
Stearns County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stearns County, MN?
Stearns County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Stearns County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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