When to Plant Lima Beans in Barry County, MI
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.
Barry County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 1,024 feet, Barry County receives approximately 31.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Barry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7
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 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Barry County, MI
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 9 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
147 days
Growing Tips for Barry 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 Barry County, MI?
Barry County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Barry County, MI?
Barry County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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