When to Plant Lima Beans in Chittenden County, VT
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.
Chittenden County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.
At an elevation of 235 feet, Chittenden County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Chittenden County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Lima Beans
Lima Beans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lima Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Chittenden County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Chittenden County, VT
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Sep 8 |
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
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
146 days in Chittenden County
Growing Tips for Chittenden 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Chittenden County, VT?
Chittenden County is in Zone 4b 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 Chittenden County, VT?
Chittenden County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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