When to plant Lima Beans in Bingham County, ID
Bingham County's 123-day season only supports one Lima Beans planting per year. Sow between May 28 and June 18 for the best chance at full maturity before September 21.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Bingham County, ID
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July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Bingham County, Idaho.
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.
Bingham County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 21 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.
At an elevation of 8,345 feet, Bingham County receives approximately 24.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season.
Bingham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.7
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 Bingham County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.7) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bingham County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 23 to harvest before frost.
Lima Beans Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.5" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Bingham 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 — Bingham County, ID
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 18 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Sep 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
123 days in Bingham County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Bingham County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after May 21 in Bingham County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lima Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Bingham County receives only 24" 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 Bingham County, ID?
Bingham County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 21. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bingham County, ID?
Bingham County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 21 and first fall frost is September 21.
When should I plant Lima Beans in Bingham County, ID?
In Bingham County, ID, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around May 21) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bingham County, ID for Lima Beans?
Bingham County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Bingham County's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Bingham County's temperate climate. Bingham County averages a 123-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 21 and first frost around September 21.
Your Bingham County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bingham County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.