When to Plant Soybeans in Washburn County, WI
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.
Washburn County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.
At an elevation of 954 feet, Washburn County receives approximately 32.7 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.
Washburn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
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 Washburn County
How your county's soil matches Soybeans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.9) is within Soybeans's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Washburn County is excellent for Soybeans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Soybeans will thrive.
How to Plant Soybeans
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Washburn 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 — Washburn County, WI
Soybeans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 21 |
| Harvest | August 23 | Aug 23 – 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
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
131 days in Washburn County
Growing Tips for Soybeans in Washburn County
Direct sow Soybeans outdoors after May 17 in Washburn County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 131.0-day growing season in Washburn County is tight for Soybeans (80.0-120.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Soybeans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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 Washburn County, WI?
Washburn County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washburn County, WI?
Washburn County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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