Blog

When to plant Black Beans in Pickens County, AL

Black Beans planted in Pickens County between March 30 and April 20 matures in 90–120 days — well before the November 6 first frost.

When to Plant Black Beans in Pickens County, AL

Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Pickens County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 442 feet, Pickens County receives approximately 58.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Black Beans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Black Beans root diseases.

Pickens County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

Pickens County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Black Beans

Black 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 Black Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Dec 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Pickens County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Pickens County, AL

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 – Aug 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

228 days in Pickens County

Growing Tips for Pickens County

Direct sow after last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black Beans in Pickens County, AL?

Pickens County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pickens County, AL?

Pickens County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.

When should I plant Black Beans in Pickens County, AL?

In Pickens County, AL, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pickens County, AL for Black Beans?

Pickens County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Black Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Black Beans grow in Pickens County's climate?

Yes — Black Beans grows well in Pickens County's temperate climate. Pickens County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 6.

🌱

Your Pickens County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pickens County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Pickens County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.