When to plant Lima Beans in Pullman,
Pullman sits in USDA Zone 6a. Plant Lima Beans between May 9 (after last frost on May 2) and May 30.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Pullman, MI
June in the garden — Pullman, MI
A quick June briefing for Pullman, MI gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: lima beans
Lima beans are a warm-season legume producing large, creamy beans with a buttery texture. Both bush and pole varieties are available, with pole types yielding more.
Pullman, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.
At an elevation of 1,257 feet, Allegan County receives approximately 37.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season.
Pullman Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Lima Beans 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 Pullman
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.7) is within Lima Beans's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Allegan County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Lima Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 16 to harvest before frost.
Lima Beans Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lima Beans
Lima Beans 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 | Lima Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Allegan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lima Beans 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.
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Pullman, MI
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Aug 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 | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
165 days in Allegan County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Pullman
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after May 02 in Allegan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lima Beans 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 thoroughly warm at 65F or above. Do not soak seeds before planting as they may crack. Harvest when pods are plump but still green for fresh limas.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lima Beans in Other Locations
When should I plant Lima Beans in Pullman, ?
In Pullman, , plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pullman, for Lima Beans?
Pullman sits in USDA Zone 6a. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Pullman's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Pullman's temperate climate. Pullman averages a 165-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 14.
Your Allegan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Allegan County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.