When to Plant Edamame in Lee County, AR
May to-do list for Lee County, Arkansas
A quick May briefing for Lee County, Arkansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: edamame
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.
Lee County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.
At an elevation of 1,408 feet, Lee County receives approximately 46.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Edamame during the growing season.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
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 Lee County
How your county's soil matches Edamame's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.8) overlaps with Edamame's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lee County is excellent for Edamame — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Edamame.
How to Plant Edamame
Succession Planting Edamame
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 01 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lee 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 Planting Timeline — Lee County, AR
Edamame Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jul 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
235 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Edamame in Lee County
Direct sow Edamame outdoors after March 19 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Edamame in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Edamame in Lee County, AR?
Lee County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Edamame planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, AR?
Lee County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 9.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.