When to Plant Pole Beans in El Paso County, CO
Pole beans are climbing varieties of green beans that produce over a much longer season than bush types. They require trellising but yield more per square foot.
El Paso County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 8,317 feet, El Paso County receives approximately 23.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Pole Beans during the growing season.
El Paso County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Pole Beans
Pole 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 | Pole Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in El Paso County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Pole Beans Planting Timeline — El Paso County, CO
Pole Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
| Direct Sow | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 8 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors 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
55–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
148 days in El Paso County
Growing Tips for El Paso County
Provide sturdy 6-8 foot poles, tepees, or trellises. Direct sow after last frost. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. Beans fix nitrogen benefiting following crops.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pole Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pole Beans in El Paso County, CO?
El Paso County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is El Paso County, CO?
El Paso County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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