When to Plant Lima Beans in Branch 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.
Branch County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 900 feet, Branch County receives approximately 39.3 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.
Branch County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
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
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Branch County, MI
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
169 days
Growing Tips for Branch 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 Branch County, MI?
Branch County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Branch County, MI?
Branch County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Branch County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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