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When to plant Soybeans in Peoria County, IL

Plant Soybeans in Peoria County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 30. Continue planting through May 21 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Soybeans in Peoria 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.

Peoria County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.

At an elevation of 884 feet, Peoria County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season.

Peoria County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
172 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
172 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Peoria County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Peoria County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Soybeans Planting Timeline — Peoria County, IL

Soybeans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 – May 21
Harvest July 23 Jul 23 – Sep 17

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

172 days in Peoria County

Growing Tips for Peoria 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Soybeans in Peoria County, IL?

Peoria County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Peoria County, IL?

Peoria County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 12.

When should I plant Soybeans in Peoria County, IL?

In Peoria County, IL, plant Soybeans after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Peoria County, IL for Soybeans?

Peoria County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Soybeans grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Soybeans grow in Peoria County's climate?

Yes — Soybeans grows well in Peoria County's temperate climate. Peoria County averages a 172-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 12.

🌱

Your Peoria County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Peoria County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Peoria County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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