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When to Plant Pole Beans in Marquette County, MI

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.

Marquette County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.

At an elevation of 564 feet, Marquette County receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Pole Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Marquette County, MI (Zone 4a) Moderate season
163 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
163 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Marquette County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (29 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Sep 12
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (30 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 8 Transplant: May 31 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Sep 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (30 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 25 Transplant: Jun 17 🍅 Harvest: Aug 12 – Oct 7

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
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 104 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Pole Beans needs ~672 GDD — county provides 1,752 GDD Excellent fit

Pole Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Marquette County, MI

Pole Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 8 Mar 8 โ€“ Mar 22
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jun 14
Direct Sow May 24 May 24 โ€“ Jun 14
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 โ€“ Sep 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 4a

Growing Season

163 days

Growing Tips for Marquette 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 Marquette County, MI?

Marquette County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marquette County, MI?

Marquette County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 20.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Marquette County gardeners in Zone 4a 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 Marquette County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.