When to Plant Black Beans in Cumberland County, ME
Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
Cumberland County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 405 feet, Cumberland County receives approximately 42.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season.
Cumberland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Black Beans Planting Timeline — Cumberland County, ME
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | August 5 | Aug 5 – Sep 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
167 days
Growing Tips for Cumberland County
Direct sow after last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Black Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Black Beans in Cumberland County, ME?
Cumberland County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cumberland County, ME?
Cumberland County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Cumberland County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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