Blog

When to Plant Black Beans in Amite County, MS

Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Amite County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.

At an elevation of 375 feet, Amite County receives approximately 58.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Black Beans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Black Beans root diseases.

Amite County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
255 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
255 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Amite County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (114 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 27 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Jul 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (115 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Jul 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Aug 21

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 117 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Black Beans needs ~1,995 GDD — county provides 4,845 GDD Excellent fit

Black Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Amite County, MS

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Apr 3
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 โ€“ Jul 31

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

90โ€“120 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

255 days

Growing Tips for Amite 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black Beans in Amite County, MS?

Amite County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Amite County, MS?

Amite County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Amite County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Amite County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.