When to plant Soybeans in Owsley County, KY
Owsley County's climate puts the Soybeans spring window between April 29 and May 20. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Soybeans in Owsley County, KY
Your August planting checklist for Owsley County, Kentucky
August rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Owsley County, Kentucky.
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Basket week: soybeans
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
September prep starts now
- First harvests: soybeans
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.
Owsley County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 1,434 feet, Owsley County receives approximately 49.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season.
Owsley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Soybeans 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 Owsley County
How your county's soil matches Soybeans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.5) is more acidic than Soybeans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Owsley 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 (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Soybeans.
How to Plant Soybeans
Succession Planting Soybeans
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 23 to harvest before frost.
Soybeans Water Budget
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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Owsley 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 — Owsley 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Owsley County
Growing Tips for Soybeans in Owsley County
Direct sow Soybeans outdoors after April 22 in Owsley 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 Owsley County, KY?
Owsley County is in Zone 6b 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 Owsley County, KY?
Owsley County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Soybeans in Owsley County, KY?
In Owsley County, KY, plant Soybeans after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Owsley County, KY for Soybeans?
Owsley County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Soybeans grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Soybeans grow in Owsley County's climate?
Yes — Soybeans grows well in Owsley County's temperate climate. Owsley County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 21.
Your Owsley County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Owsley County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.