When to Plant Edamame in Lafayette County, WI
May to-do list for Lafayette County, Wisconsin
Your garden in Lafayette County, Wisconsin is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Outdoor sowing time: edamame
Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination — a gentle morning watering for 5–7 days does the job.
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.
Lafayette County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 665 feet, Lafayette County receives approximately 31.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Edamame to ensure they mature before fall.
Lafayette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.3
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 Lafayette County
How your county's soil matches Edamame's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.3) overlaps with Edamame's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lafayette County is excellent for Edamame — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Edamame.
How to Plant Edamame
Succession Planting Edamame
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 01 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.2" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lafayette 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 — Lafayette County, WI
Edamame Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 1 |
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
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
75–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Lafayette County
Growing Tips for Edamame in Lafayette County
Direct sow Edamame outdoors after April 28 in Lafayette 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 Lafayette County, WI?
Lafayette County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Edamame planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lafayette County, WI?
Lafayette County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Lafayette County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lafayette County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.