When to plant Black Beans in Baxter County, AR
Baxter County gardeners should plant Black Beans between April 9 and April 30 in spring. With Baxter County's Zone 7a climate (last frost April 2), Black Beans needs 90–120 days to mature — plant by June 29 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Black Beans in Baxter County, AR
This month in Baxter County, Arkansas
Each item below is timed to Baxter County, Arkansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
Baxter County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 587 feet, Baxter County receives approximately 45.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season.
Baxter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7
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 Baxter County
How your county's soil matches Black Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.0) overlaps with Black Beans's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Baxter County is excellent for Black Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Baxter 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 — Baxter County, AR
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Aug 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
208 days in Baxter County
Growing Tips for Black Beans in Baxter County
Direct sow Black Beans outdoors after April 02 in Baxter County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Black Beans in Baxter County, AR?
Baxter County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baxter County, AR?
Baxter County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is October 27.
When should I plant Black Beans in Baxter County, AR?
In Baxter County, AR, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Baxter County, AR for Black Beans?
Baxter County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Black Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Black Beans grow in Baxter County's climate?
Yes — Black Beans grows well in Baxter County's temperate climate. Baxter County averages a 208-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around October 27.
Your Baxter County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Baxter County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.