Legumes Planting Calendar
Planting & Setup
Legumes are unique in the garden because they improve soil health while producing food. This group includes peas, beans, lentils, and chickpeas, which have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air and add it to the soil. Cool-season legumes like peas can be planted early, while warm-season beans require warmer soil. In the Deep Roots system, legumes are excellent for crop rotation and help prepare soil for future plantings.
HOW TO PLANT guide for the column below:
Direct = Directly sow your seeds in your outdoor soil at the correct depth
Transplant = Plant seedlings ("transplants") that were grown indoors
Either = Direct sow seeds or plant seedlings
| Crop Name | How To Plant | Spring Planting | Fall Planting | Germinate Indoors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fava Beans | Direct | 3/15–4/15 | 9/1–10/1 | No |
| Shell Peas | Direct | 3/15–4/20 | 8/15–9/15 | No |
| Snap Peas | Direct | 3/15–4/20 | 8/15–9/15 | No |
| Snow Peas | Direct | 3/15–4/20 | 8/15–9/15 | No |
| Lentils | Direct | 3/20–4/20 | None | No |
| Chickpeas | Direct | 4/1–5/1 | None | No |
| Bush Beans | Direct | 5/10–7/1 | None | No |
| Pole Beans | Direct | 5/10–6/20 | None | No |
| Edamame | Direct | 5/15–6/30 | None | No |
| Lima Beans | Direct | 5/15–6/30 | None | No |
| Southern Peas | Direct | 5/20–7/1 | None | No |
Growing Conditions
| Crop Name | Sunlight | Temperature Tolerances | Ideal Soil Temperature | Seed Depth | Days to Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fava Beans | Full sun | 20°F–75°F | 50–65°F | 1–2 in. | 75–100 |
| Shell Peas | Full–part | 25°F–75°F | 50–65°F | 1 in. | 60–70 |
| Snap Peas | Full–part | 25°F–75°F | 50–65°F | 1 in. | 60–70 |
| Snow Peas | Full–part | 25°F–75°F | 50–65°F | 1 in. | 60–70 |
| Lentils | Full sun | 25°F–80°F | 55–70°F | 1 in. | 80–100 |
| Chickpeas | Full sun | 30°F–85°F | 60–75°F | 1–2 in. | 90–100 |
| Bush Beans | Full sun | 50°F–95°F | 65–85°F | 1 in. | 50–60 |
| Pole Beans | Full sun | 50°F–95°F | 65–85°F | 1 in. | 60–75 |
| Edamame | Full sun | 50°F–95°F | 70–85°F | 1–2 in. | 70–90 |
| Lima Beans | Full sun | 55°F–95°F | 70–85°F | 1–2 in. | 70–90 |
| Southern Peas | Full sun | 55°F–100°F | 70–90°F | 1–2 in. | 60–90 |
Popular legumes for backyard gardens, beyond standard beans and peas, include Edamame (soybeans), Lima beans (butterbeans), Southern peas (cowpeas/black-eyed peas), and versatile Runner beans. These heat-loving options thrive in summer, while lentils and chickpeas can be tried for variety.
Edamame (Soybeans): A nutritious, high-protein snack, often planted in early summer for a late summer harvest.
Lima Beans (Butterbeans): Both bush and pole types thrive in warmer soil, offering a rich, creamy flavor.
Southern Peas (Cowpeas/Black-eyed Peas): Highly productive in hot, humid weather, providing both leafy greens and peas.
Runner Beans (Scarlet Runner): Known for stunning red flowers and edible, large beans, they handle slightly cooler summers better than limas.
Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): Can be grown, though they require a long, dry, warm season.
Asparagus Beans (Yard-long Beans): Related to cowpeas, these are productive, heat-loving, and best grown on a trellis.
Timing: Plant heat-lovers (Edamame, Limas, Cowpeas) after all danger of frost has passed, usually mid-April to May.
Trellis: Use trellises for pole varieties to save space.Providing proper support is essential, especially for climbing varieties. Regular planting of bush beans can provide a continuous summer harvest.
