When to plant Fava Beans in Jo Daviess County, IL
The best window to plant Fava Beans in Jo Daviess County, is April 10–May 1, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 24; first frost October 11. A second sowing from August 2 to August 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Fava Beans in Jo Daviess 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.
Jo Daviess County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 501 feet, Jo Daviess County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Fava Beans during the growing season.
Jo Daviess County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Jo Daviess County, IL
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Jo Daviess County
Growing Tips for Jo Daviess 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 Jo Daviess County, IL?
Jo Daviess County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jo Daviess County, IL?
Jo Daviess County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Fava Beans in Jo Daviess County, IL?
In Jo Daviess County, IL, plant Fava Beans after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jo Daviess County, IL for Fava Beans?
Jo Daviess County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Fava Beans grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Fava Beans grow in Jo Daviess County's climate?
Yes — Fava Beans grows well in Jo Daviess County's temperate climate. Jo Daviess County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.
Your Jo Daviess County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jo Daviess County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.