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When to plant Edamame in Perry County, AL

For Edamame in Perry County, the safe spring window opens around March 21 and closes around April 11. Last expected frost is March 14, first fall frost November 13, giving a 244-day growing season.

When to Plant Edamame in Perry County, AL

Perry County, Alabama Zone 8b July

Perry County, Alabama gardeners: here's your July plan

Here's what deserves your attention in Perry County, Alabama this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.

Avg. last frost March 14
Avg. first frost November 13
Soil temp (4") 84°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.9 hrs
  1. Start harvesting edamame

    This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.

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Edamame are soybeans harvested at the immature green stage for a sweet, nutty snack. They are high in protein and easy to grow in warm climates.

Perry County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 61 feet, Perry County receives approximately 49.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Edamame during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Edamame, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Perry County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Perry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Edamame Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jul 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jul 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (122 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Jul 31

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 Perry County

How your county's soil matches Edamame's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.4–6.7) overlaps with Edamame's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Perry County is excellent for Edamame — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Edamame.

How to Plant Edamame

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Edamame

3
successive plantings in your 244-day season

Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.

Edamame Water Budget

Plant needs
0.9″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 115 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Edamame

Edamame needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Edamame Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.9" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 3.9" 3.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 3.9" 4.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3.9" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3.9" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 3.9" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 3.9" 3.2" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 3.9" 3.5" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.9" 3.8" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Edamame 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.

Edamame needs ~1,597 GDD — county provides 4,453 GDD Excellent fit

Edamame Planting Timeline — Perry County, AL

Edamame Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 11
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 – Jul 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

0.9"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

75–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

244 days in Perry County

Growing Tips for Edamame in Perry County

Direct sow Edamame outdoors after March 14 in Perry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Perry County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Edamame. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Common pests for Edamame 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 is warm. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen. Harvest when pods are plump and bright green but before they start to yellow. Steam or boil pods before eating.

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 Edamame in Perry County, AL?

Perry County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Edamame planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Perry County, AL?

Perry County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Edamame in Perry County, AL?

In Perry County, AL, plant Edamame after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Perry County, AL for Edamame?

Perry County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Edamame grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Edamame grow in Perry County's climate?

Yes — Edamame grows well in Perry County's temperate climate. Perry County averages a 244-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 13.

🌱

Your Perry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Perry County (Zone 8b). 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 Perry County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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