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When to Plant Kidney Beans in Winchester City, VA

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.

Winchester City, Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 1,152 feet, Winchester City receives approximately 48.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season.

Winchester City, VA (Zone 6b) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Winchester City Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (56 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Aug 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Aug 28
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Sep 17

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Kidney Beans needs ~1,560 GDD — county provides 2,832 GDD Excellent fit

Kidney Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Winchester City, VA

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 โ€“ May 22
Harvest July 31 Jul 31 โ€“ Sep 4

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 6b

Growing Season

177 days

Growing Tips for Winchester City

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 Winchester City, VA?

Winchester City is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Winchester City, VA?

Winchester City, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 18.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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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 Winchester City, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.