When to plant Fava Beans in Monroe County, IA
Plant Fava Beans in Monroe County from April 12 to May 3 in spring. Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 5b, with last frost around April 26 and first frost on October 13. A second sowing from August 4 to August 18 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Fava Beans in Monroe County, IA
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.
Monroe County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 968 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 32.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Fava Beans during the growing season.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Monroe County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Monroe County, IA
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Aug 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
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 | 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Monroe 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 Monroe County, IA?
Monroe County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, IA?
Monroe County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Fava Beans in Monroe County, IA?
In Monroe County, IA, plant Fava Beans after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Monroe County, IA for Fava Beans?
Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Fava Beans grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Fava Beans grow in Monroe County's climate?
Yes — Fava Beans grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 13.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.