When to plant Lima Beans in Monroe County, FL
For Monroe County, gardeners: plant Lima Beans January 29 through February 19 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Monroe County, FL
Your July game plan for Monroe County, Florida
Each item below is timed to Monroe County, Florida's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Plan the fall garden
Make a planting map for August. Tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, lettuce, root crops all go in over the next 8 weeks. Soil amendments and irrigation prep happen now.
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Keep heat-survivor crops productive
Daily harvest of okra and southern peas keeps plants producing. Let pods over-mature and the plant stops setting new fruit.
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Watch for hurricane prep season
August-October is hurricane season. Stake young trees, secure rain barrels, and plan how to protect tender transplants from high winds.
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.
Monroe County, Florida is in USDA Zone 11b. The average last spring frost is January 22 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 169 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 55.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°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.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Soil Compatibility in Monroe County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–5.7) is more acidic than Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Monroe 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 (1.3%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Lima Beans 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" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Monroe 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 — Monroe County, FL
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 19 |
| Harvest | April 2 | Apr 2 – May 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| 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 11b
📆 Growing Season
365 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Monroe County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after January 22 in Monroe County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Monroe 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
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 Monroe County, FL?
Monroe County is in Zone 11b with an average last frost of January 22. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, FL?
Monroe County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 11b. The average last spring frost is January 22 and first fall frost is .
When should I plant Lima Beans in Monroe County, FL?
In Monroe County, FL, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around January 1) and before the first frost (around December 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Monroe County, FL for Lima Beans?
Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 11b. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Monroe County's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 11b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.