Blog

When to plant Soybeans in Hancock County, IA

In Hancock County, plant Soybeans in spring between May 6 and May 27, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Hancock County's last frost averages April 29, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 80–120 days before the first frost on October 7.

When to Plant Soybeans in Hancock County, IA

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.

Hancock County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.

At an elevation of 979 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Soybeans to ensure they mature before fall.

Hancock County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
161 days
Last Spring Frost April 29
161 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Hancock County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Soybeans Planting Timeline — Hancock County, IA

Soybeans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 6 May 6 – May 27
Harvest July 29 Jul 29 – Sep 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

161 days in Hancock County

Growing Tips for Hancock 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 Hancock County, IA?

Hancock County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hancock County, IA?

Hancock County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Soybeans in Hancock County, IA?

In Hancock County, IA, plant Soybeans after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hancock County, IA for Soybeans?

Hancock County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Soybeans grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Soybeans grow in Hancock County's climate?

Yes — Soybeans grows well in Hancock County's temperate climate. Hancock County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Hancock County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hancock 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.