When to plant Fava Beans in Hamilton County, IL
Fava Beans planted in Hamilton County between March 26 and April 16 matures in 75–100 days — well before the October 23 first frost. A second sowing from August 14 to August 28 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Fava Beans in Hamilton 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.
Hamilton County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 524 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Fava Beans during the growing season.
Hamilton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Hamilton County, IL
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Hamilton County
Growing Tips for Hamilton 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Fava Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fava Beans in Hamilton County, IL?
Hamilton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hamilton County, IL?
Hamilton County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 23.
When should I plant Fava Beans in Hamilton County, IL?
In Hamilton County, IL, plant Fava Beans after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hamilton County, IL for Fava Beans?
Hamilton County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Fava Beans grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Fava Beans grow in Hamilton County's climate?
Yes — Fava Beans grows well in Hamilton County's temperate climate. Hamilton County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 23.
Your Hamilton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hamilton County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.