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When to Plant Kidney Beans in Vermont

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.

Vermont spans USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Kidney Beans planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar for Vermont

โ–ธ Zone 3b ~135 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: May 10 ยท First frost: September 22 ยท 135 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 24 May 24 โ€“ Jun 14
Harvest August 23 Aug 23 โ€“ Sep 27
โ–ธ Zone 4a ~145 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: May 6 ยท First frost: September 28 ยท 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jun 10
Harvest August 19 Aug 19 โ€“ Sep 23
โ–ธ Zone 4b ~155 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: May 1 ยท First frost: October 3 ยท 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 15 May 15 โ€“ Jun 5
Harvest August 14 Aug 14 โ€“ Sep 18
โ–ธ Zone 5a ~166 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: April 25 ยท First frost: October 8 ยท 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 23
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 โ€“ Sep 5

Growing Tips for Vermont

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kidney Beans in Vermont?

Planting dates for Kidney Beans in Vermont depend on your USDA zone. Vermont spans zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Vermont for planting?

Vermont contains USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state โ€” northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.