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When to Plant Pole Beans in Dougherty County, GA

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.

Dougherty County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 269 feet, Dougherty County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Pole Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Pole Beans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Pole Beans root diseases.

Dougherty County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Dougherty County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (130 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 10 Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: May 9 – Jul 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (130 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 17 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Jul 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (126 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 4 – Jul 30

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Pole Beans needs ~1,375 GDD — county provides 5,632 GDD Excellent fit

Pole Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Dougherty County, GA

Pole Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 17 Jan 17 โ€“ Jan 31
Transplant Outdoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Apr 4
Harvest May 16 May 16 โ€“ Jul 11

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

55โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

256 days

Growing Tips for Dougherty 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pole Beans in Dougherty County, GA?

Dougherty County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dougherty County, GA?

Dougherty County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.

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Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Dougherty County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Dougherty County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.