Blog

When to Plant Kidney Beans in Amite County, MS

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.

Amite County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.

At an elevation of 375 feet, Amite County receives approximately 58.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kidney Beans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kidney Beans root diseases.

Amite County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
255 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
255 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Amite County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (128 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 27 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Jul 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (129 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Jul 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Aug 7

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 117 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Kidney Beans needs ~1,852 GDD — county provides 4,845 GDD Excellent fit

Kidney Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Amite County, MS

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Apr 3
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 โ€“ Jul 17

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

85โ€“110 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

255 days

Growing Tips for Amite 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kidney Beans in Amite County, MS?

Amite County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Amite County, MS?

Amite County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Amite County gardeners in Zone 8a 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.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Amite County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.