When to Plant Soybeans in Massac County, IL
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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.
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 Soybeans during the growing season.
Massac County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Massac County
How your county's soil matches Soybeans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.0) overlaps with Soybeans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Massac County is excellent for Soybeans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Soybeans will thrive.
How to Plant Soybeans
Succession Planting Soybeans
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 23 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Massac County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Soybeans Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Soybeans Planting Timeline — Massac County, IL
Soybeans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Sep 1 |
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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Massac County
Growing Tips for Soybeans in Massac County
Direct sow Soybeans outdoors after April 07 in Massac County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Soybeans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Massac County, IL?
Massac County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Soybeans 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.
Your Massac County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-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.