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When to plant Black Beans in Lee County, GA

The best window to plant Black Beans in Lee County, is March 14–April 4, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 7; first frost November 18.

When to Plant Black Beans in Lee County, GA

Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 432 feet, Lee County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Black Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Black Beans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Black Beans root diseases.

Lee County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Black Beans

Black 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 Black Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Lee County, GA

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 – Apr 4
Harvest June 13 Jun 13 – Aug 1

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 Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

256 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Lee County

Direct sow after last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.

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 Black Beans in Lee County, GA?

Lee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, GA?

Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.

When should I plant Black Beans in Lee County, GA?

In Lee County, GA, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around March 7) and before the first frost (around November 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lee County, GA for Black Beans?

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

Can Black Beans grow in Lee County's climate?

Yes — Black Beans grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.

🌱

Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 8b). 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 Lee County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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