Blog

When to Plant Kidney Beans in Chicot County, AR

Kidney beans are a popular dry bean variety named for their shape, available in red and white types. They are the classic bean for chili and red beans and rice.

Chicot County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.

At an elevation of 1,421 feet, Chicot County receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kidney Beans root diseases.

Chicot County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
243 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
243 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Chicot County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Kidney Beans

Kidney 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 Kidney Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Dec β€” 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Chicot County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Kidney Beans Planting Timeline β€” Chicot County, AR

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 11
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 – Jul 25

Plant 1" deep Β· 15" apart Β· Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

85–110 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

243 days in Chicot County

Growing Tips for Chicot County

Direct sow after frost. Allow pods to dry completely on the plant. Kidney beans must be thoroughly cooked as raw or undercooked beans contain harmful lectins.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kidney Beans in Chicot County, AR?

Chicot County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Chicot County, AR?

Chicot County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 12.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Chicot 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 Chicot County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.