When to plant Lima Beans in Cross County, AR
Cross County's climate puts the Lima Beans spring window between March 26 and April 16. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Cross County, AR
Your July game plan for Cross County, Arkansas
Welcome to July in Zone 8a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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.
Cross County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 233 days.
At an elevation of 531 feet, Cross County receives approximately 53.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lima Beans root diseases.
Cross County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Lima 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 Cross County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cross County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lima Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 09 to harvest before frost.
Lima Beans Water Budget
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 | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cross 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 — Cross County, AR
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
233 days in Cross County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Cross County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after March 19 in Cross County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lima 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 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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Cross County, AR?
Cross County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cross County, AR?
Cross County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 7.
When should I plant Lima Beans in Cross County, AR?
In Cross County, AR, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around March 19) and before the first frost (around November 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cross County, AR for Lima Beans?
Cross County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Cross County's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Cross County's temperate climate. Cross County averages a 233-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 19 and first frost around November 7.
Your Cross County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cross 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.