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When to Plant Soybeans in Kent County, TX

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.

Kent County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. 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 98°F, so Soybeans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Soybeans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Soybeans root diseases.

Kent County, TX (Zone 8a) 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 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 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 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" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Soybeans Planting Timeline — Kent County, TX

Soybeans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 28
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 – Aug 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

80–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

221 days in Kent County

Growing Tips for Kent 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 Kent County, TX?

Kent County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kent County, TX?

Kent County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 7.

🌱

Your Kent County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kent 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.

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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: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.