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When to plant Soybeans in Scott County, IA

Spring Soybeans in Scott County goes in April 22–May 13, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Soybeans in Scott 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.

Scott County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 678 feet, Scott County receives approximately 37.9 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.

Scott County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Scott County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Soybeans Planting Timeline — Scott County, IA

Soybeans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 22 Apr 22 – May 13
Harvest July 15 Jul 15 – Sep 9

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 5b

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Scott County

Growing Tips for Scott 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 Scott County, IA?

Scott County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scott County, IA?

Scott County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Soybeans in Scott County, IA?

In Scott County, IA, plant Soybeans after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Scott County, IA for Soybeans?

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

Can Soybeans grow in Scott County's climate?

Yes — Soybeans grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Scott 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.

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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 Scott County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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