When to plant Fava Beans in Ramsey County, MN
The best window to plant Fava Beans in Ramsey County, is April 9–April 30, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 23; first frost October 9. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Fava Beans in Ramsey County, MN
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.
Ramsey County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 1,059 feet, Ramsey County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fava Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Ramsey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ramsey County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Ramsey County, MN
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Aug 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
75–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
169 days in Ramsey County
Growing Tips for Ramsey County
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 Ramsey County, MN?
Ramsey County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ramsey County, MN?
Ramsey County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Fava Beans in Ramsey County, MN?
In Ramsey County, MN, plant Fava Beans after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ramsey County, MN for Fava Beans?
Ramsey County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Fava Beans grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Fava Beans grow in Ramsey County's climate?
Yes — Fava Beans grows well in Ramsey County's temperate climate. Ramsey County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 9.
Your Ramsey County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ramsey 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.