When to Plant Lima Beans in Ada County, ID
Lima beans are a warm-season legume producing large, creamy beans with a buttery texture. Both bush and pole varieties are available, with pole types yielding more.
Ada County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 4,372 feet, Ada County receives approximately 19.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lima Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Ada County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.7
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Ada County, ID
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 13 |
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
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
176 days
Growing Tips for Ada County
Direct sow after soil is thoroughly warm at 65F or above. Do not soak seeds before planting as they may crack. Harvest when pods are plump but still green for fresh limas.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Ada County, ID?
Ada County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ada County, ID?
Ada County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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