When to plant Lima Beans in Tehachapi, CA
In Zone 9b (Tehachapi), direct-sow Lima Beans between March 7 and March 28 for spring, after the February 28 last-frost mark.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Tehachapi, CA
Your August gardening checklist
Welcome to August in Zone 9b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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.
Tehachapi, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 274 days.
At an elevation of 389 feet, Kern County receives approximately 16.9 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.
Tehachapi Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.7
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 Tehachapi
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.7) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kern County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lima Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 31 to harvest before frost.
Lima Beans 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 | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 2.4" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 1.2" | 2.7" | 🚿 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" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Kern 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 — Tehachapi, CA
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 28 |
| Harvest | May 9 | May 9 – Jun 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
274 days in Kern County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Tehachapi
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after February 28 in Kern County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Kern 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.
Kern County receives only 17" 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
When should I plant Lima Beans in Tehachapi, CA?
In Tehachapi, CA, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around February 28) and before the first frost (around November 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Tehachapi, CA for Lima Beans?
Tehachapi sits in USDA Zone 9b. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Tehachapi's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Tehachapi's temperate climate. Tehachapi averages a 275-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 28 and first frost around November 29.
Your Kern County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kern County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.