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When to Plant Pole Beans in Livingston Parish, LA

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.

Livingston Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 270 days.

At an elevation of 360 feet, Livingston Parish receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Pole Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Pole Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Livingston Parish, LA (Zone 8b) Year-round
270 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
270 growing days
First Fall Frost November 30

Livingston Parish Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

4.9-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (152 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 28 Transplant: Mar 1 🍅 Harvest: Apr 26 – Jun 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (144 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 15 Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jul 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (138 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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 590 gal / 100 sq ft
Pole Beans needs ~1,375 GDD — county provides 5,940 GDD Excellent fit

Pole Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Livingston Parish, LA

Pole Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 15 Jan 15 โ€“ Jan 29
Transplant Outdoors March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 2
Direct Sow March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Apr 2
Harvest May 14 May 14 โ€“ Jul 9

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 8b

Growing Season

270 days

Growing Tips for Livingston Parish

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pole Beans in Livingston Parish, LA?

Livingston Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Livingston Parish, LA?

Livingston Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 30.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Livingston Parish gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Livingston Parish, LA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.