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When to plant Kidney Beans in Monroe County, AR

Plant Kidney Beans in Monroe County after March 14; the prime window is March 21–April 11.

When to Plant Kidney Beans in Monroe County, AR

Kidney beans are a popular dry bean variety named for their shape, available in red and white types. They are the classic bean for chili and red beans and rice.

Monroe County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 1,042 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season.

Monroe County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Kidney Beans

Kidney 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 Kidney Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Monroe County, AR

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 11
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 – Jul 25

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
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

85–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

244 days in Monroe County

Growing Tips for Monroe County

Direct sow after frost. Allow pods to dry completely on the plant. Kidney beans must be thoroughly cooked as raw or undercooked beans contain harmful lectins.

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 Kidney Beans in Monroe County, AR?

Monroe County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, AR?

Monroe County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Kidney Beans in Monroe County, AR?

In Monroe County, AR, plant Kidney Beans after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Monroe County, AR for Kidney Beans?

Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Kidney Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kidney Beans grow in Monroe County's climate?

Yes — Kidney Beans grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 244-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 13.

🌱

Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe 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 Monroe County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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