When to Plant Black Beans in Washington 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.
Washington County, Maine is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 1,184 feet, Washington County receives approximately 43.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Black Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.5
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 — Washington County, ME
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 13 |
| Harvest | August 22 | Aug 22 – Oct 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 4b
Growing Season
151 days
Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, ME?
Washington County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, ME?
Washington County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Washington County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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