When to Plant Kidney Beans in Dakota County, MN
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.
Dakota County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 616 feet, Dakota County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kidney Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Dakota County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
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 — Dakota County, MN
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Sep 15 |
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
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
163 days
Growing Tips for Dakota 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 Dakota County, MN?
Dakota County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dakota County, MN?
Dakota County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Dakota County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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