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When to plant Kidney Beans in Bond County, IL

In Bond County, plant Kidney Beans in spring between April 20 and May 11, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Bond County's last frost averages April 13, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 85–110 days before the first frost on October 21.

When to Plant Kidney Beans in Bond County, IL

Kidney beans are a popular dry bean variety named for their shape, available in red and white types. They are the classic bean for chili and red beans and rice.

Bond County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 587 feet, Bond County receives approximately 34.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season.

Bond County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Bond County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Kidney Beans

Kidney 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 Kidney Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Bond County, IL

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 20 Apr 20 – May 11
Harvest July 20 Jul 20 – Aug 24

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

85–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

191 days in Bond County

Growing Tips for Bond County

Direct sow after frost. Allow pods to dry completely on the plant. Kidney beans must be thoroughly cooked as raw or undercooked beans contain harmful lectins.

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 Kidney Beans in Bond County, IL?

Bond County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bond County, IL?

Bond County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Kidney Beans in Bond County, IL?

In Bond County, IL, plant Kidney Beans after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bond County, IL for Kidney Beans?

Bond County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Kidney Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Kidney Beans grow in Bond County's climate?

Yes — Kidney Beans grows well in Bond County's temperate climate. Bond County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Bond County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bond County (Zone 6b). 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 Bond County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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