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When to plant Black Beans in Lee County, AR

Lee County's climate puts the Black Beans spring window between March 26 and April 16. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.

When to Plant Black Beans in Lee County, AR

Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Lee County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

At an elevation of 1,408 feet, Lee County receives approximately 46.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season.

Lee County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

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 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Lee County, AR

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 16
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 – Aug 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

235 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Lee County

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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black Beans in Lee County, AR?

Lee County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, AR?

Lee County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 9.

When should I plant Black Beans in Lee County, AR?

In Lee County, AR, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around March 19) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lee County, AR for Black Beans?

Lee 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 Lee County's climate?

Yes — Black Beans grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 235-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 19 and first frost around November 9.

🌱

Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee 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.

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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 Lee County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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