When to Plant Fava Beans in Kitsap County, WA
This month in Kitsap County, Washington
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: fava beans
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.
Kitsap County, Washington is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 225 days.
At an elevation of 264 feet, Kitsap County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Fava Beans during the growing season.
Kitsap County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.3
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 Kitsap County
How your county's soil matches Fava Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.3) is more acidic than Fava Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kitsap County is excellent for Fava Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Fava Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Fava Beans
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Fava Beans
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 10.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kitsap County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fava Beans 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.
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Kitsap County, WA
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Direct Sow | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 25 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jul 22 |
| Fall Sowing | September 10 | Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
75–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
225 days in Kitsap County
Growing Tips for Fava Beans in Kitsap County
Direct sow Fava Beans outdoors after March 25 in Kitsap County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Fava Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Fava Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fava Beans in Kitsap County, WA?
Kitsap County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kitsap County, WA?
Kitsap County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 5.
Your Kitsap County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kitsap County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.