When to plant Fava Beans in Ford County, IL
The best window to plant Fava Beans in Ford County, is April 4–April 25, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 18; first frost October 18. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Fava Beans in Ford County, IL
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.
Ford County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 855 feet, Ford County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fava Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Ford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Ford County, IL
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Ford County
Growing Tips for Ford 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
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Fava Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fava Beans in Ford County, IL?
Ford County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ford County, IL?
Ford County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Fava Beans in Ford County, IL?
In Ford County, IL, plant Fava Beans after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ford County, IL for Fava Beans?
Ford County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Fava Beans grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Fava Beans grow in Ford County's climate?
Yes — Fava Beans grows well in Ford County's temperate climate. Ford County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 18.
Your Ford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ford County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.