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When to plant Fava Beans in Atchison County, KS

Atchison County's spring Fava Beans window runs April 3 through April 24. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Fava Beans in Atchison County, KS

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.

Atchison County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.

At an elevation of 678 feet, Atchison County receives approximately 25.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fava Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Atchison County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
187 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
187 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Atchison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.8

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 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Atchison County, KS

Fava Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 24
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 – Aug 14
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

187 days in Atchison County

Growing Tips for Atchison 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Fava Beans in Atchison County, KS?

Atchison County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Atchison County, KS?

Atchison County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Fava Beans in Atchison County, KS?

In Atchison County, KS, plant Fava Beans after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Atchison County, KS for Fava Beans?

Atchison County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Fava Beans grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Fava Beans grow in Atchison County's climate?

Yes — Fava Beans grows well in Atchison County's temperate climate. Atchison County averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Atchison County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Atchison 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 Atchison County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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