When to Plant Kidney Beans in St. Clair County, MO
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.
St. Clair County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 699 feet, St. Clair County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season.
St. Clair 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.
Soil Compatibility in St. Clair County
How your county's soil matches Kidney Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) overlaps with Kidney Beans's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in St. Clair 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 moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Kidney Beans.
How to Plant Kidney Beans
Plant Water Budget
Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — St. Clair County, MO
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Aug 19 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
201 days in St. Clair County
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in St. Clair County
Direct sow Kidney Beans outdoors after April 08 in St. Clair 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
Level Up Your Garden
Kidney Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kidney Beans in St. Clair County, MO?
St. Clair County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Clair County, MO?
St. Clair County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help St. Clair County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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