When to Plant Lima Beans in Lee County, FL
May in Lee County, Florida — your action list
May is a pivotal month for Lee County, Florida gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Pick lima beans
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Lee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and the first fall frost is December 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.
At an elevation of 408 feet, Lee County receives approximately 61.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lima Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lima Beans root diseases.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-5.9
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 Lee County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–5.9) is more acidic than Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lee County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lima Beans will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lima Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 20 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Lee 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 — Lee County, FL
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 25 |
| Harvest | April 8 | Apr 8 – May 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
325 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Lee County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after January 28 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lee County dries quickly — mulch Lima Beans with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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
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Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Lee County, FL?
Lee County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 28. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, FL?
Lee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and first fall frost is December 19.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.