When to plant Black Beans in Kellerman, AL
Plant Black Beans in Kellerman from March 29 to April 19 in spring. Kellerman sits in USDA Zone 8b, with last frost around March 22 and first frost on November 9.
When to Plant Black Beans in Kellerman, AL
July in the garden — Tuscaloosa County, Alabama
Your Tuscaloosa County, Alabama garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
Kellerman, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 436 feet, Tuscaloosa County receives approximately 52.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°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.
Kellerman Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Black Beans 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 Kellerman
How your county's soil matches Black Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.2) is more acidic than Black Beans prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Tuscaloosa County is excellent for Black Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Black Beans.
How to Plant Black Beans
Black Beans Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Tuscaloosa County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Black Beans Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Black Beans Planting Timeline — Kellerman, AL
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Aug 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Tuscaloosa County
Growing Tips for Black Beans in Kellerman
Direct sow Black Beans outdoors after March 22 in Tuscaloosa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Tuscaloosa County's clay soil (33% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Black Beans. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Black Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Black Beans in Other Locations
When should I plant Black Beans in Kellerman, AL?
In Kellerman, AL, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Kellerman, AL for Black Beans?
Kellerman sits in USDA Zone 8b. Black Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Black Beans grow in Kellerman's climate?
Yes — Black Beans grows well in Kellerman's temperate climate. Kellerman averages a 232-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 9.
Your Tuscaloosa County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Tuscaloosa County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.