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When to plant Black Beans in Johnson County County,

Johnson County County's spring Black Beans window runs April 14 through May 5. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.

When to Plant Black Beans in Johnson County, IL

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

Johnson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 1,006 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season.

Johnson County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21
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Johnson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.2

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Johnson County, IL

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 14 Apr 14 – May 5
Harvest July 14 Jul 14 – Sep 1

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 Harvest
October
November
December
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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 7a

📆 Growing Season

197 days in Johnson County

Growing Tips for Johnson 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 Johnson County, IL?

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

What planting zone is Johnson County, IL?

Johnson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Black Beans in Johnson County County, ?

In Johnson County County, , plant Black Beans after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Johnson County County, for Black Beans?

Johnson County County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Black Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Black Beans grow in Johnson County County's climate?

Yes — Black Beans grows well in Johnson County County's temperate climate. Johnson County County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 21.

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Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 7a). 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 Johnson County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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