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When to plant Soybeans in Roscommon County, MI

Roscommon County's short 140-day growing season means one Soybeans planting between May 22 and June 12. No fall crop in Zone 5a.

When to Plant Soybeans in Roscommon County, MI

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.

Roscommon County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.

At an elevation of 1,298 feet, Roscommon County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Soybeans to ensure they mature before fall.

Roscommon County, MI (Zone 5a) Short season
140 days
Last Spring Frost May 15
140 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Roscommon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.8

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Soybeans Planting Timeline — Roscommon County, MI

Soybeans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 22 May 22 – Jun 12
Harvest August 14 Aug 14 – Oct 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Direct Sow
June Direct Sow
July
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

140 days in Roscommon County

Growing Tips for Roscommon 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 Roscommon County, MI?

Roscommon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Roscommon County, MI?

Roscommon County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is October 2.

When should I plant Soybeans in Roscommon County, MI?

In Roscommon County, MI, plant Soybeans after the last frost (around May 15) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Roscommon County, MI for Soybeans?

Roscommon County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Soybeans grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Soybeans grow in Roscommon County's climate?

Yes — Soybeans grows well in Roscommon County's temperate climate. Roscommon County averages a 140-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 15 and first frost around October 2.

🌱

Your Roscommon County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Roscommon County (Zone 5a). 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 Roscommon County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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