When to plant Black Beans in Hot Spring County, AR
For Hot Spring County, gardeners: plant Black Beans March 30 through April 20 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Black Beans in Hot Spring County, AR
June to-do list for Hot Spring County, Arkansas
A quick June briefing for Hot Spring County, Arkansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
Hot Spring County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 754 feet, Hot Spring County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season.
Hot Spring County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.9
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 Hot Spring County
How your county's soil matches Black Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.9) overlaps with Black Beans's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hot Spring County is excellent for Black Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Black Beans.
How to Plant Black Beans
Black Beans Water Budget
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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hot Spring 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 — Hot Spring County, AR
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 17 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
231 days in Hot Spring County
Growing Tips for Black Beans in Hot Spring County
Direct sow Black Beans outdoors after March 23 in Hot Spring 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 Hot Spring County, AR?
Hot Spring County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hot Spring County, AR?
Hot Spring County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 9.
When should I plant Black Beans in Hot Spring County, AR?
In Hot Spring County, AR, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hot Spring County, AR for Black Beans?
Hot Spring County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Black Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Black Beans grow in Hot Spring County's climate?
Yes — Black Beans grows well in Hot Spring County's temperate climate. Hot Spring County averages a 231-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 9.
Your Hot Spring County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hot Spring 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.