When to Plant Lima Beans in Kings County, CA
This month in Kings County, California
A quick May briefing for Kings County, California gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Collect lima beans at their peak
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: lima beans
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.
Kings County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 291 days.
At an elevation of 2,065 feet, Kings County receives approximately 18.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Lima Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lima Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Kings County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Kings County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.4) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kings County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 Sep 03 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 1.4" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.9" | 0.5" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.1" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 0.2" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 0.7" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Kings 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 — Kings County, CA
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 14 |
| Harvest | April 25 | Apr 25 – Jun 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
291 days in Kings County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Kings County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after February 14 in Kings County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Kings County, provide afternoon shade for Lima Beans and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Lima Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Kings County receives only 19" of rain annually. Lima Beans needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Kings County, CA?
Kings County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kings County, CA?
Kings County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 2.
Your Kings County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kings County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.