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When to plant Soybeans in Powell County, KY

In Powell County, plant Soybeans in spring between April 23 and May 14, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Powell County's last frost averages April 16, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 80–120 days before the first frost on October 24.

When to Plant Soybeans in Powell County, KY

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.

Powell County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 3,812 feet, Powell County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season.

Powell County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Powell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-7

Drainage

Well Drained

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 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Soybeans Planting Timeline — Powell County, KY

Soybeans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 – May 14
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 – Sep 10

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 7a

📆 Growing Season

191 days in Powell County

Growing Tips for Powell 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 Powell County, KY?

Powell County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Powell County, KY?

Powell County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Soybeans in Powell County, KY?

In Powell County, KY, plant Soybeans after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Powell County, KY for Soybeans?

Powell County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Soybeans grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Soybeans grow in Powell County's climate?

Yes — Soybeans grows well in Powell County's temperate climate. Powell County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 24.

🌱

Your Powell County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Powell 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.

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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 Powell County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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