When to Plant Pole Beans in Sullivan County, TN
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.
Sullivan County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 3,986 feet, Sullivan County receives approximately 46.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Pole Beans during the growing season.
Sullivan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Sullivan County
How your county's soil matches Pole Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–7.1) overlaps with Pole Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sullivan County is excellent for Pole Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Pole Beans.
How to Plant Pole Beans
Succession Planting Pole Beans
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 10 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Pole Beans Planting Timeline — Sullivan County, TN
Pole Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
55–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Sullivan County
Growing Tips for Pole Beans in Sullivan County
Direct sow Pole Beans outdoors after April 23 in Sullivan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Pole Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Level Up Your Garden
Pole Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pole Beans in Sullivan County, TN?
Sullivan County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sullivan County, TN?
Sullivan County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Sullivan County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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