When to Plant Kidney Beans in La Plata County, CO
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.
La Plata County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.
At an elevation of 5,246 feet, La Plata County receives approximately 14.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kidney Beans to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Kidney Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
La Plata County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.9
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 — La Plata County, CO
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 28 |
| Harvest | September 6 | Sep 6 – Oct 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
113 days
Growing Tips for La Plata 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 La Plata County, CO?
La Plata County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is La Plata County, CO?
La Plata County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help La Plata County gardeners in Zone 5b 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.