When to Plant Soybeans in Essex County, VT
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.
Essex County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 27 feet, Essex County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Soybeans to ensure they mature before fall.
Essex County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.4
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
Soybeans Planting Timeline — Essex County, VT
Soybeans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 22 |
| Harvest | August 24 | Aug 24 – Oct 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| 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 3b
Growing Season
135 days
Growing Tips for Essex 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 Essex County, VT?
Essex County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Essex County, VT?
Essex County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Essex County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.