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When to Plant Edamame in Gogebic County, MI

Gogebic County, Michigan Zone 4b May

Gogebic County, Michigan gardeners: here's your May plan

Your garden in Gogebic County, Michigan is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.

Avg. last frost May 22
Avg. first frost September 25
Soil temp (4") 54°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure Low
Daylight 14.8 hrs
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
  • Direct-sowing: edamame

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Edamame are soybeans harvested at the immature green stage for a sweet, nutty snack. They are high in protein and easy to grow in warm climates.

Gogebic County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.

At an elevation of 695 feet, Gogebic County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Edamame to ensure they mature before fall.

Gogebic County, MI (Zone 4b) Short season
126 days
Last Spring Frost May 22
126 growing days
First Fall Frost September 25

Gogebic County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (4 days to spare)
Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Aug 3 – Sep 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (7 days to spare)
Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Aug 7 – Sep 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 6 🍅 Harvest: Aug 22 – Oct 3

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 Gogebic County

How your county's soil matches Edamame's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.1–6.9) is within Edamame's preferred range (6.0–7.0).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Gogebic County is excellent for Edamame — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Edamame will thrive.

How to Plant Edamame

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.9″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Edamame

Edamame needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Edamame Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 3.9" 4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3.9" 4.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3.9" 3.6" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Aug 3.9" 3.6" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 3.9" 3.3" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Edamame 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.

Edamame needs ~1,072 GDD — county provides 1,543 GDD Excellent fit

Edamame Planting Timeline — Gogebic County, MI

Edamame Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow June 5 Jun 5 – Jun 26
Harvest August 21 Aug 21 – Oct 2

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June Direct Sow
July
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

75–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

📆 Growing Season

126 days in Gogebic County

Growing Tips for Edamame in Gogebic County

Direct sow Edamame outdoors after May 22 in Gogebic County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Edamame 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 is warm. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen. Harvest when pods are plump and bright green but before they start to yellow. Steam or boil pods before eating.

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 Edamame in Gogebic County, MI?

Gogebic County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Edamame planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gogebic County, MI?

Gogebic County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 25.

🌱

Your Gogebic County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Gogebic County (Zone 4b). 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 Gogebic County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: May 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.