When to Plant Edamame in Cotton County, OK
What to do in May
May is a pivotal month for Cotton County, Oklahoma gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: edamame
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.
Cotton County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.
At an elevation of 1,015 feet, Cotton County receives approximately 20.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Edamame during the growing season.
Cotton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 Cotton County
How your county's soil matches Edamame's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.5) overlaps with Edamame's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Cotton County is excellent for Edamame — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Edamame.
How to Plant Edamame
Succession Planting Edamame
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 02 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 1.4" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.2" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 2.6" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.5" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 0.8" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cotton 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 Planting Timeline — Cotton County, OK
Edamame Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
75–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
230 days in Cotton County
Growing Tips for Edamame in Cotton County
Direct sow Edamame outdoors after March 25 in Cotton 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.
Cotton County receives only 21" of rain annually. Edamame needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Edamame in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Edamame in Cotton County, OK?
Cotton County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Edamame planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cotton County, OK?
Cotton County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 10.
Your Cotton County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cotton County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.