When to Plant Pole Beans in Musselshell County, MT
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.
Musselshell County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 6,528 feet, Musselshell County receives approximately 15.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Pole Beans to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Pole Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Musselshell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-8.4
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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Musselshell County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Pole Beans Planting Timeline — Musselshell County, MT
Pole Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
| Direct Sow | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 18 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Sep 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
132 days in Musselshell County
Growing Tips for Musselshell 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 Musselshell County, MT?
Musselshell County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Musselshell County, MT?
Musselshell County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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