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When to plant Pole Beans in Madison County County,

Aim to plant Pole Beans in Madison County County on or after April 18; the window stays open through May 9. Madison County County's 194-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.

When to Plant Pole Beans in Madison County, IL

Pole beans are climbing varieties of green beans that produce over a much longer season than bush types. They require trellising but yield more per square foot.

Madison County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 963 feet, Madison County receives approximately 36.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Pole Beans during the growing season.

Madison County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22
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Madison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Pole Beans

Pole 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 Pole Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Pole Beans Planting Timeline — Madison County, IL

Pole Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Direct Sow April 18 Apr 18 – May 9
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 – Aug 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

55–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Madison County

Growing Tips for Madison County

Provide sturdy 6-8 foot poles, tepees, or trellises. Direct sow after last frost. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. Beans fix nitrogen benefiting following crops.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pole Beans in Madison County, IL?

Madison County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madison County, IL?

Madison County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 22.

When should I plant Pole Beans in Madison County County, ?

In Madison County County, , plant Pole Beans after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Madison County County, for Pole Beans?

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

Can Pole Beans grow in Madison County County's climate?

Yes — Pole Beans grows well in Madison County County's temperate climate. Madison County County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 22.

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Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Madison 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Madison County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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