When to Plant Kidney Beans in Columbia County, OR
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.
Columbia County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 396 feet, Columbia County receives approximately 46.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season.
Columbia County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Kidney Beans
Kidney Beans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Kidney Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 6.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 7.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 7.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Columbia County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Columbia County, OR
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Aug 25 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Columbia County
Growing Tips for Columbia 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kidney Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kidney Beans in Columbia County, OR?
Columbia County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Columbia County, OR?
Columbia County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Columbia County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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