When to Plant Edamame in Tehama County, CA
May to-do list for Tehama County, California
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Tehama County, California.
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It's harvest week for edamame
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Tehama County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 78 feet, Tehama County receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Edamame to ensure they mature before fall.
Tehama County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 Tehama County
How your county's soil matches Edamame's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) is more alkaline than Edamame prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Tehama County is excellent for Edamame — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Edamame.
How to Plant Edamame
Succession Planting Edamame
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 20 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 10.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 8.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 1.3" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.2" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 0.4" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.8" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 6.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Tehama 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 — Tehama County, CA
Edamame Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Tehama County
Growing Tips for Edamame in Tehama County
Direct sow Edamame outdoors after March 06 in Tehama 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 Tehama County, CA?
Tehama County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Edamame planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tehama County, CA?
Tehama County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 28.
Your Tehama County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tehama County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.