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When to plant Soybeans in Marion County, AL

For Soybeans in Marion County, the safe spring window opens around April 2 and closes around April 23. Last expected frost is March 26, first fall frost November 5, giving a 224-day growing season.

When to Plant Soybeans in Marion County, AL

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.

Marion County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 224 days.

At an elevation of 387 feet, Marion County receives approximately 56.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Soybeans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Soybeans root diseases.

Marion County, AL (Zone 7b) Long season
224 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
224 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Marion County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.8

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 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Marion County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Soybeans Planting Timeline — Marion County, AL

Soybeans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 23
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 – Aug 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
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 7b

📆 Growing Season

224 days in Marion County

Growing Tips for Marion 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 Marion County, AL?

Marion County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marion County, AL?

Marion County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 5.

When should I plant Soybeans in Marion County, AL?

In Marion County, AL, plant Soybeans after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Marion County, AL for Soybeans?

Marion County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Soybeans grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Soybeans grow in Marion County's climate?

Yes — Soybeans grows well in Marion County's temperate climate. Marion County averages a 224-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 5.

🌱

Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Marion County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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