When to Plant Green Beans in Custer County, CO
Green beans are a warm-season staple available as bush or pole types. Bush beans produce a concentrated harvest while pole beans provide a longer picking season.
Custer County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 125 days.
At an elevation of 8,115 feet, Custer County receives approximately 18.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Green Beans during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Green Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Custer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Green Beans Planting Timeline — Custer County, CO
Green Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 20 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Sep 19 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–65 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
125 days
Growing Tips for Custer County
Direct sow after last frost when soil is warm. Provide sturdy supports for pole varieties. Pick beans regularly when young and tender to encourage continued production.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Avoid harvesting during damp weather. Isolate 25 ft between varieties.
Green Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Green Beans in Custer County, CO?
Custer County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Green Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Custer County, CO?
Custer County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is September 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Custer County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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