When to plant Fava Beans in Musselshell County, MT
Plant Fava Beans in Musselshell County from May 7 to May 28 in spring. Musselshell County sits in USDA Zone 4b, with last frost around May 14 and first frost on September 23. A second sowing from July 1 to July 15 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Fava Beans in Musselshell County, MT
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.
Musselshell County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 6,528 feet, Musselshell County receives approximately 15.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fava Beans to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Fava Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Musselshell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Musselshell County, MT
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Sep 10 |
| Fall Sowing | July 1 | Jul 1 – Jul 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
132 days in Musselshell County
Growing Tips for Musselshell 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 Musselshell County, MT?
Musselshell County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Musselshell County, MT?
Musselshell County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 23.
When should I plant Fava Beans in Musselshell County, MT?
In Musselshell County, MT, plant Fava Beans after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Musselshell County, MT for Fava Beans?
Musselshell County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Fava Beans grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Fava Beans grow in Musselshell County's climate?
Yes — Fava Beans grows well in Musselshell County's temperate climate. Musselshell County averages a 132-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 23.
Your Musselshell County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Musselshell 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.