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When to Plant Soybeans in McCulloch 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.

McCulloch County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 1,250 feet, McCulloch County receives approximately 60.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 96Β°F, so Soybeans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Soybeans root diseases.

McCulloch County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 17
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

McCulloch County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.7

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 β€” 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 9.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Soybeans Planting Timeline β€” McCulloch County, TX

Soybeans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 14
Harvest June 16 Jun 16 – Aug 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May β€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September β€”
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

80–120 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

244 days in McCulloch County

Growing Tips for McCulloch 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 McCulloch County, TX?

McCulloch County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 17. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is McCulloch County, TX?

McCulloch County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and first fall frost is November 16.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help McCulloch County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 McCulloch County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.