When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Essex County, VT
Scarlet runner beans are ornamental and edible climbing beans with vivid red flowers that attract hummingbirds. Both the young pods and mature beans are edible.
Essex County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 27 feet, Essex County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Scarlet Runner Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Essex County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.4
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.
Plant Water Budget
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — Essex County, VT
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jun 22 |
| Direct Sow | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 22 |
| Harvest | August 10 | Aug 10 – Sep 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 3b
Growing Season
135 days
Growing Tips for Essex County
Provide tall trellising for vigorous vines. Direct sow after frost. Harvest pods young for snap beans or let mature for shelling beans. Tubers are perennial in mild climates.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Scarlet Runner Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Essex County, VT?
Essex County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Essex County, VT?
Essex County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Essex County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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