When to plant Soybeans in Kendall County, IL
For Kendall County, gardeners: plant Soybeans April 27 through May 18 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Soybeans in Kendall County, IL
Soybeans (edamame) are a high-protein legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. Fresh green soybeans harvested at the edamame stage are a nutritious snack.
Kendall County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 708 feet, Kendall County receives approximately 38.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season.
Kendall County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Soybeans
Soybeans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Soybeans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Kendall County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Soybeans Planting Timeline — Kendall County, IL
Soybeans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Kendall County
Growing Tips for Kendall County
Direct sow after soil warms to 60F. Plant in blocks rather than rows for better pollination. Harvest for edamame when pods are plump and bright green.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Soybeans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Soybeans in Kendall County, IL?
Kendall County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kendall County, IL?
Kendall County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Soybeans in Kendall County, IL?
In Kendall County, IL, plant Soybeans after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Kendall County, IL for Soybeans?
Kendall County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Soybeans grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Soybeans grow in Kendall County's climate?
Yes — Soybeans grows well in Kendall County's temperate climate. Kendall County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 17.
Your Kendall County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kendall County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.