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When to Plant Soybeans in Waupaca 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.

Waupaca County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.

At an elevation of 1,159 feet, Waupaca County receives approximately 37.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Soybeans to ensure they mature before fall.

Waupaca County, WI (Zone 4b) Moderate season
150 days
Last Spring Frost May 8
150 growing days
First Fall Frost October 5

Waupaca County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.2

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 โ€” 1.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 2.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 2.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Oct in Waupaca County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Soybeans Planting Timeline โ€” Waupaca County, WI

Soybeans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jun 12
Harvest August 14 Aug 14 โ€“ Oct 9

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Direct Sow
June Direct Sow
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

80โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

150 days in Waupaca County

Growing Tips for Waupaca 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Soybeans in Waupaca County, WI?

Waupaca County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Waupaca County, WI?

Waupaca County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 5.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Waupaca County gardeners in Zone 4b 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.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Waupaca County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.