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When to Plant Kidney Beans in Pasquotank County, NC

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.

Pasquotank County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.

At an elevation of 591 feet, Pasquotank County receives approximately 52.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, 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.

Pasquotank County, NC (Zone 8a) Long season
230 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
230 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Pasquotank County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (103 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Jul 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (104 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (101 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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Kidney Beans needs ~1,706 GDD — county provides 4,025 GDD Excellent fit

Kidney Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Pasquotank County, NC

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 25
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 โ€“ Aug 8

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 8a

Growing Season

230 days

Growing Tips for Pasquotank 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 Pasquotank County, NC?

Pasquotank County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pasquotank County, NC?

Pasquotank County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 13.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Pasquotank County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Pasquotank County, NC. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.