When to Plant Soybeans in Ritchie County, WV
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.
Ritchie County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 1,942 feet, Ritchie County receives approximately 46.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season.
Ritchie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ritchie County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Soybeans Planting Timeline — Ritchie County, WV
Soybeans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Sep 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Ritchie County
Growing Tips for Ritchie 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Soybeans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Soybeans in Ritchie County, WV?
Ritchie County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ritchie County, WV?
Ritchie County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Ritchie County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ritchie County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.