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When to plant Pole Beans in Russell County, AL

Plant Pole Beans in Russell County from March 28 to April 18 in spring. Russell County sits in USDA Zone 8b, with last frost around March 21 and first frost on November 10.

When to Plant Pole Beans in Russell County, AL

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.

Russell County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 234 days.

At an elevation of 81 feet, Russell County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Pole Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Pole Beans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Pole Beans root diseases.

Russell County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
234 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
234 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Russell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

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 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Pole Beans Planting Timeline — Russell County, AL

Pole Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 31 Jan 31 – Feb 14
Transplant Outdoors April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 18
Direct Sow March 28 Mar 28 – Apr 18
Harvest May 30 May 30 – Jul 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

234 days in Russell County

Growing Tips for Russell 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pole Beans in Russell County, AL?

Russell County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Russell County, AL?

Russell County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 10.

When should I plant Pole Beans in Russell County, AL?

In Russell County, AL, plant Pole Beans after the last frost (around March 21) and before the first frost (around November 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Russell County, AL for Pole Beans?

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

Can Pole Beans grow in Russell County's climate?

Yes — Pole Beans grows well in Russell County's temperate climate. Russell County averages a 234-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 21 and first frost around November 10.

🌱

Your Russell County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Russell 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.

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

Sources & credits

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