When to Plant Soybeans in Leslie County, KY
What to do in May
A quick May briefing for Leslie County, Kentucky gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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.
Leslie County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 2,667 feet, Leslie County receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season.
Leslie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 Leslie County
How your county's soil matches Soybeans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Soybeans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Leslie County is excellent for Soybeans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Soybeans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Soybeans.
How to Plant Soybeans
Succession Planting Soybeans
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 22 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 | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Leslie 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 — Leslie County, KY
Soybeans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
181 days in Leslie County
Growing Tips for Soybeans in Leslie County
Direct sow Soybeans outdoors after April 22 in Leslie 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 Leslie County, KY?
Leslie County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Leslie County, KY?
Leslie County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Leslie County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Leslie County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.