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When to plant Wax Beans in Clinton County, IL

In Zone 6b (Clinton County), direct-sow Wax Beans between April 17 and May 8 for spring, after the April 10 last-frost mark.

When to Plant Wax Beans in Clinton County, IL

Wax beans are a yellow-podded variety of snap beans with a buttery, slightly sweeter flavor than green beans. They are easy to spot on the plant for picking.

Clinton County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.

At an elevation of 1,142 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Wax Beans during the growing season.

Clinton County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
192 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
192 growing days
First Fall Frost October 19

Clinton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Wax Beans

Wax 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 Wax Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Wax Beans Planting Timeline — Clinton County, IL

Wax Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 – May 8
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Aug 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
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

50–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

192 days in Clinton County

Growing Tips for Clinton County

Direct sow after last frost. Pick pods regularly when young and tender. Bush types produce a concentrated harvest while pole types yield longer. Avoid working around wet plants.

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 Wax Beans in Clinton County, IL?

Clinton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Wax Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clinton County, IL?

Clinton County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 19.

When should I plant Wax Beans in Clinton County, IL?

In Clinton County, IL, plant Wax Beans after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clinton County, IL for Wax Beans?

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

Can Wax Beans grow in Clinton County's climate?

Yes — Wax Beans grows well in Clinton County's temperate climate. Clinton County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 19.

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Your Clinton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clinton 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 Clinton County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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