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When to Plant Soybeans in Holmes County, OH

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.

Holmes County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 788 feet, Holmes County receives approximately 39.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season.

Holmes County, OH (Zone 5b) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Holmes County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.3

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 โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 4.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4" 0.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 2.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 2.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Oct in Holmes County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Soybeans Planting Timeline โ€” Holmes County, OH

Soybeans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 9 May 9 โ€“ May 30
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 โ€“ Sep 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

80โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

162 days in Holmes County

Growing Tips for Holmes 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 Holmes County, OH?

Holmes County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Holmes County, OH?

Holmes County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 11.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Holmes County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Holmes County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.