When to plant Fava Beans in Massac County, IL
Plant Fava Beans in Massac County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 24. Continue planting through April 14 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Fava Beans in Massac 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.
Massac County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 778 feet, Massac County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Fava Beans during the growing season.
Massac County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Massac County, IL
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
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 7a
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Massac County
Growing Tips for Massac 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 Massac County, IL?
Massac County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Massac County, IL?
Massac County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Fava Beans in Massac County, IL?
In Massac County, IL, plant Fava Beans after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Massac County, IL for Fava Beans?
Massac County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Fava Beans grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Fava Beans grow in Massac County's climate?
Yes — Fava Beans grows well in Massac County's temperate climate. Massac County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 21.
Your Massac County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Massac County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.