When to Plant Kidney Beans in Josephine 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.
Josephine County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 340 feet, Josephine County receives approximately 52.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kidney Beans root diseases.
Josephine County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.2
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.
Plant Water Budget
Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Josephine County, OR
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Sep 2 |
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 | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
85–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
181 days
Growing Tips for Josephine 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
Level Up Your Garden
Kidney Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kidney Beans in Josephine County, OR?
Josephine County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Josephine County, OR?
Josephine County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Josephine County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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