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When to Plant Fava Beans in Kent County, TX

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.

Kent County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.

At an elevation of 1,287 feet, Kent County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98Β°F, so Fava Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” but Fava Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fava Beans root diseases.

Kent County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
221 days
Last Spring Frost March 31
221 growing days
First Fall Frost November 7

Kent County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.8-8.6

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 β€” 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 9.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kent County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Fava Beans Planting Timeline β€” Kent County, TX

Fava Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 24 Feb 24 – Mar 10
Transplant Outdoors March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 14
Direct Sow March 17 Mar 17 – Apr 7
Harvest June 16 Jun 16 – Jul 28
Fall Sowing August 29 Aug 29 – Sep 12

Plant 1" deep Β· 15" apart Β· Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May β€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

75–100 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

221 days in Kent County

Growing Tips for Kent 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Fava Beans in Kent County, TX?

Kent County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kent County, TX?

Kent County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 7.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Kent County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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