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When to plant Fava Beans in Washington County, AR

Plant Fava Beans in Washington County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 27. Continue planting through April 17 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 15 to August 29 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Fava Beans in Washington County, AR

Fava beans are a cool-season legume with large, meaty beans inside thick pods. They fix nitrogen in the soil and are one of the oldest cultivated crops.

Washington County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 768 feet, Washington County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Fava Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fava Beans root diseases.

Washington County, AR (Zone 7a) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Fava Beans

Fava Beans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Fava Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Washington County, AR

Fava Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 – Aug 7
Fall Sowing August 15 Aug 15 – Aug 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

75–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

197 days in Washington County

Growing Tips for Washington County

Direct sow as early as soil can be worked in spring. Pinch growing tips when pods begin to form to redirect energy and reduce aphid problems. Stake tall varieties.

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 Fava Beans in Washington County, AR?

Washington County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, AR?

Washington County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Fava Beans in Washington County, AR?

In Washington County, AR, plant Fava Beans after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Washington County, AR for Fava Beans?

Washington County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Fava Beans grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Fava Beans grow in Washington County's climate?

Yes — Fava Beans grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 24.

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Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 7a). 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 Washington County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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