When to Plant Kidney Beans in Simpson County, KY
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.
Simpson County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 3,996 feet, Simpson County receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season.
Simpson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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
Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Simpson County, KY
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 17 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
85–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
206 days
Growing Tips for Simpson 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 Simpson County, KY?
Simpson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Simpson County, KY?
Simpson County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Simpson County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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