When to Plant Lima Beans in Maricopa County, AZ
What to do in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Maricopa County, Arizona.
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Basket week: lima beans
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Lima beans are a warm-season legume producing large, creamy beans with a buttery texture. Both bush and pole varieties are available, with pole types yielding more.
Maricopa County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 31 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 309 days.
At an elevation of 4,014 feet, Maricopa County receives approximately 12.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 108°F, so Lima Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lima Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lima Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Maricopa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.5
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 Maricopa County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.5) is more alkaline than Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Maricopa County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lima Beans will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 07 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lima Beans
Lima Beans needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lima Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.9" | 0.9" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Feb | 3.9" | 0.8" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 0.7" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 0.5" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.9" | 0.3" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.4" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.2" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 0.6" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 0.8" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Maricopa County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lima 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.
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Maricopa County, AZ
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 28 |
| Harvest | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
309 days in Maricopa County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Maricopa County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after January 31 in Maricopa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Maricopa County dries quickly — mulch Lima Beans with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 108°F in Maricopa County, provide afternoon shade for Lima Beans and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Lima Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Maricopa County receives only 12" of rain annually. Lima Beans needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow after soil is thoroughly warm at 65F or above. Do not soak seeds before planting as they may crack. Harvest when pods are plump but still green for fresh limas.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Maricopa County, AZ?
Maricopa County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 31. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Maricopa County, AZ?
Maricopa County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 31 and first fall frost is December 6.
Your Maricopa County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Maricopa County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.