When is the best time to plant beans?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Whether or not to plant beans successfully depends on balancing warmth in the soil with the risk of frost. Beans will not germinate in cold soil, I once found this out at the expense of two packets of seeds to an April frost. Use a soil thermometer. With the thermometer in your soil at a depth of 4 inches, when the reading is 60°F for three consecutive mornings, then you can safely plant your beans. Northern growers often wait until mid-May, and Southern growers may start as early as March.
Thermometer Test
- Insert probe 4 inches deep at 10 AM
- Check three consecutive days
- 60°F minimum for bush beans
- 65°F preferred for limas
Texture Check
- Soil should crumble, not clump
- Too wet? Wait 48 hours after rain
- Sandy soils warm faster than clay
- Add compost to improve drainage
Differences between regions matter. Gardeners in Zone 5 can plant seeds between mid-May and June. Gardeners in Zone 9 can plant in February. A recent client of mine in Texas plants snap beans in March and again in October, thus giving them two harvests per year. Varieties should be based on your climate. Limas need heat and favas will survive cooler springs.
Soil preparation is important, just like timing. The beans will fix nitrogen but will need phosphorus to make pods. Six weeks before planting, take soil samples. I incorporated 2 inches of compost into the beds. This raised the germination rate by 40% in clay soil. It is best to avoid fresh manure in your beds, as this will zap roots.
Read the full article: When Plant Beans: Expert Timing for Every Garden
