When to Plant Soybeans in Douglas County, KS
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.
Douglas County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 494 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Douglas County
How your county's soil matches Soybeans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.6) is more alkaline than Soybeans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Douglas County is excellent for Soybeans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Soybeans.
How to Plant Soybeans
Succession Planting Soybeans
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 27 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Soybeans
Soybeans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Soybeans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Douglas County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Soybeans 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.
Soybeans Planting Timeline — Douglas County, KS
Soybeans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Douglas County
Growing Tips for Soybeans in Douglas County
Direct sow Soybeans outdoors after April 12 in Douglas County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Soybeans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Soybeans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Soybeans in Douglas County, KS?
Douglas County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, KS?
Douglas County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Douglas County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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