When to plant Fava Beans in Nantucket County, MA
Aim to plant Fava Beans in Nantucket County on or after March 29; the window stays open through April 19. Nantucket County's 206-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 26 to September 9 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Fava Beans in Nantucket County, MA
Top priorities for Nantucket County, Massachusetts gardeners in July
Your garden in Nantucket County, Massachusetts is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
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.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 632 feet, Nantucket County receives approximately 48 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Fava Beans during the growing season.
Nantucket County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Fava Beans 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 Nantucket County
How your county's soil matches Fava Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.2) is more acidic than Fava Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Nantucket County is excellent for Fava Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Fava Beans.
How to Plant Fava Beans
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Fava Beans
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 26.
Fava Beans Water Budget
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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Nantucket County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fava Beans 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.
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Nantucket County, MA
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Aug 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 26 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
75–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
206 days in Nantucket County
Growing Tips for Fava Beans in Nantucket County
Direct sow Fava Beans outdoors after April 12 in Nantucket County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Fava Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Fava Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fava Beans in Nantucket County, MA?
Nantucket County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nantucket County, MA?
Nantucket County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is November 4.
When should I plant Fava Beans in Nantucket County, MA?
In Nantucket County, MA, plant Fava Beans after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Nantucket County, MA for Fava Beans?
Nantucket County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Fava Beans grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Fava Beans grow in Nantucket County's climate?
Yes — Fava Beans grows well in Nantucket County's temperate climate. Nantucket County averages a 206-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around November 4.
Your Nantucket County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Nantucket County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.