When to Plant Kidney Beans in Morgan 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.
Morgan County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 7,673 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°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.
Morgan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.2
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Morgan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Morgan County, CO
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | August 16 | Aug 16 – Sep 20 |
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 | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
148 days in Morgan County
Growing Tips for Morgan 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
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Kidney Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kidney Beans in Morgan County, CO?
Morgan County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morgan County, CO?
Morgan County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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