When to Plant Lima Beans in USDA Zone 4a
Your April gardening checklist
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Zone 4a this April and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
To set up a strong May, finish these tasks
- Direct-sowing: lima beans
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.
In Zone 4a, the average last spring frost is around May 6 and the first fall frost is around September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Zone 4a
Where Is USDA Zone 4a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 4a. Click any state to see the Lima Beans planting schedule for that location.
Lima Beans Planting Calendar — Zone 4a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Sep 2 |
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 | — |
Free Zone 4a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 4a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
145 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Lima Beans in Zone
Sow every 6.9 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~145 days). Start Lima Beans indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
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Saving Lima Beans Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Lima Beans in Other Zones
Lima Beans by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Zone 4a?
In Zone 4a, plan your Lima Beans planting around the average last frost date of May 6. Direct sow outdoors around May 20.
Can Lima Beans grow in Zone 4a?
Yes, Lima Beans can grow well in Zone 4a, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 11b. Zone 4a has a growing season of approximately 145 days, which is sufficient for Lima Beans (60-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Lima Beans in Zone 4a?
In Zone 4a, expect to harvest Lima Beans from July 22 – September 2. Lima Beans takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 4a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 4a is around May 6, and the first fall frost is around September 28. This gives a growing season of approximately 145 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Lima Beans?
Good companion plants for Lima Beans include Corn, Squash Summer, Carrots. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.