When to plant Lima Beans in Madison County, AR
Plant Lima Beans in Madison County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 13. Continue planting through May 4 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Madison County, AR
Your July planting checklist for Madison County, Arkansas
Your Madison County, Arkansas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
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.
Madison County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 801 feet, Madison County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Madison County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Madison County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 31 to harvest before frost.
Lima Beans Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Madison 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 — Madison County, AR
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jul 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
206 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Madison County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after April 06 in Madison 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 Madison County, AR?
Madison County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, AR?
Madison County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 29.
When should I plant Lima Beans in Madison County, AR?
In Madison County, AR, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Madison County, AR for Lima Beans?
Madison County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Madison County's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 206-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 29.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.