When to Plant Lima Beans in Kent County, RI
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.
Kent County, Rhode Island is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 776 feet, Kent County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season.
Kent County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.2
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 — Kent County, RI
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
180 days
Growing Tips for Kent 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 Kent County, RI?
Kent 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 Kent County, RI?
Kent County, Rhode Island is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Kent County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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