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When to Plant Kidney Beans in Pontotoc 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.

Pontotoc County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.

At an elevation of 226 feet, Pontotoc County receives approximately 49.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, 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.

Pontotoc County, MS (Zone 7b) Long season
221 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
221 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Pontotoc County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (98 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 18 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Jul 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (95 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Jul 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (96 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Aug 19

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 128 gal / 100 sq ft
Kidney Beans needs ~1,926 GDD — county provides 4,364 GDD Excellent fit

Kidney Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Pontotoc County, MS

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 23
Harvest July 2 Jul 2 โ€“ Aug 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Direct Sow
May โ€”
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 7b

Growing Season

221 days

Growing Tips for Pontotoc 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 Pontotoc County, MS?

Pontotoc County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pontotoc County, MS?

Pontotoc County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 2.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Pontotoc County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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