When to Plant Kidney Beans in Marin County, CA
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.
Marin County, California is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 273 days.
At an elevation of 302 feet, Marin County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kidney Beans to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Kidney Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Marin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
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
Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Marin County, CA
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 26 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
85–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 10a
Growing Season
273 days
Growing Tips for Marin 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
Level Up Your Garden
Kidney Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kidney Beans in Marin County, CA?
Marin County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marin County, CA?
Marin County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Marin County gardeners in Zone 10a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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