When to plant Fava Beans in Audubon County, IA
In Zone 5a (Audubon County), direct-sow Fava Beans between April 14 and May 5 for spring, after the April 28 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 25 to August 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Fava Beans in Audubon County, IA
This month in Audubon County, Iowa
June is a pivotal month for Audubon County, Iowa gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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.
Audubon County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 1,056 feet, Audubon County receives approximately 32.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Fava Beans during the growing season.
Audubon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Fava Beans 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 Audubon County
How your county's soil matches Fava Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Fava Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Audubon County is excellent for Fava Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Fava Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Fava Beans
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Fava Beans
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 25.
Fava Beans Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Fava Beans
Fava Beans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Fava Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Audubon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fava Beans 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.
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Audubon County, IA
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
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 | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
75–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
158 days in Audubon County
Growing Tips for Fava Beans in Audubon County
Direct sow Fava Beans outdoors after April 28 in Audubon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Fava Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Audubon County, IA?
Audubon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Audubon County, IA?
Audubon County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 3.
When should I plant Fava Beans in Audubon County, IA?
In Audubon County, IA, plant Fava Beans after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Audubon County, IA for Fava Beans?
Audubon 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 Audubon County's climate?
Yes — Fava Beans grows well in Audubon County's temperate climate. Audubon County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 3.
Your Audubon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Audubon 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.