When to plant Lima Beans in Marshall County, IL
Marshall County gardeners should plant Lima Beans between April 28 and May 19 in spring. With Marshall County's Zone 5b climate (last frost April 21), Lima Beans needs 60–90 days to mature — plant by July 15 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Marshall County, IL
Your July game plan for Marshall County, Illinois
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Marshall County, Illinois.
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.
Marshall County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 1,177 feet, Marshall County receives approximately 30.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Marshall County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.8
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 Marshall County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.8) is within Lima Beans's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Marshall County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.2%) — Lima Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 15 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Marshall 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 — Marshall County, IL
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Aug 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Marshall County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Marshall County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after April 21 in Marshall 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.
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 Marshall County, IL?
Marshall County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marshall County, IL?
Marshall County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Lima Beans in Marshall County, IL?
In Marshall County, IL, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Marshall County, IL for Lima Beans?
Marshall 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 Marshall County's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Marshall County's temperate climate. Marshall County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 13.
Your Marshall County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marshall 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.