When to Plant Edamame in Summers County, WV
May to-do list for Summers County, West Virginia
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.
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Outdoor sowing time: edamame
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
Edamame are soybeans harvested at the immature green stage for a sweet, nutty snack. They are high in protein and easy to grow in warm climates.
Summers County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 2,610 feet, Summers County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Edamame during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Edamame root diseases.
Summers County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 Summers County
How your county's soil matches Edamame's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Edamame's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Summers County is excellent for Edamame — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Edamame.
How to Plant Edamame
Succession Planting Edamame
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 06 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Edamame
Edamame needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Edamame Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Summers County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Edamame 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.
Edamame Planting Timeline — Summers County, WV
Edamame Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
75–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Summers County
Growing Tips for Edamame in Summers County
Direct sow Edamame outdoors after May 05 in Summers County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Edamame in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow after soil is warm. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen. Harvest when pods are plump and bright green but before they start to yellow. Steam or boil pods before eating.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Edamame in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Edamame in Summers County, WV?
Summers County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Edamame planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summers County, WV?
Summers County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 14.
Your Summers County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Summers County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.