When to Plant Soybeans in Cambria County, PA
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.
Cambria County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 720 feet, Cambria County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season.
Cambria County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Cambria County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Soybeans Planting Timeline — Cambria County, PA
Soybeans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 6 |
| Harvest | August 8 | Aug 8 – Oct 3 |
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
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
156 days in Cambria County
Growing Tips for Cambria 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Soybeans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Soybeans in Cambria County, PA?
Cambria County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cambria County, PA?
Cambria County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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