When to Plant Kidney Beans in Decatur County, IN
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.
Decatur County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 985 feet, Decatur County receives approximately 32.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season.
Decatur County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
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.
Soil Compatibility in Decatur County
How your county's soil matches Kidney Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.1) is within Kidney Beans's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Decatur County is excellent for Kidney Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Kidney Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Kidney Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Kidney Beans
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Decatur County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kidney Beans Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Decatur County, IN
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Decatur County
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in Decatur County
Direct sow Kidney Beans outdoors after April 10 in Decatur County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kidney Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Decatur County, IN?
Decatur County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Decatur County, IN?
Decatur County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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