When to Plant Green Beans in McDonough County, IL
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.
McDonough County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 738 feet, McDonough County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Green Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
McDonough County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Green Beans
Green Beans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Green Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in McDonough County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Green Beans Planting Timeline — McDonough County, IL
Green Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Aug 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
183 days in McDonough County
Growing Tips for McDonough 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
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 McDonough County, IL?
McDonough County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Green Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McDonough County, IL?
McDonough County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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