When to Plant Edamame in Hawkins County, TN
Top priorities for Hawkins County, Tennessee gardeners in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Hawkins County, Tennessee.
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.
Hawkins County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 1,961 feet, Hawkins County receives approximately 41.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Edamame during the growing season.
Hawkins County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
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 Hawkins County
How your county's soil matches Edamame's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–7.1) overlaps with Edamame's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hawkins County is excellent for Edamame — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Edamame.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Edamame.
How to Plant Edamame
Succession Planting Edamame
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 14 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.6" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hawkins 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 — Hawkins County, TN
Edamame Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
75–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
190 days in Hawkins County
Growing Tips for Edamame in Hawkins County
Direct sow Edamame outdoors after April 15 in Hawkins 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.
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 Hawkins County, TN?
Hawkins County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Edamame planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hawkins County, TN?
Hawkins County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Hawkins County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hawkins County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.