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When to plant Pole Beans in Mark, IL

Mark sits in USDA Zone 5b. Plant Pole Beans between April 28 (after last frost on April 21) and May 19.

When to Plant Pole Beans in Mark, 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.

Mark, 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 582 feet, Putnam County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Pole Beans during the growing season.

Mark, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
175 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
175 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Mark Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.7

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 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Pole Beans Planting Timeline — Mark, IL

Pole Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 24 Feb 24 – Mar 10
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 – May 19
Direct Sow April 28 Apr 28 – May 19
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 – Aug 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors 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

55–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

175 days in Putnam County

Growing Tips for Mark

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 →

When should I plant Pole Beans in Mark, IL?

In Mark, IL, plant Pole 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 Mark, IL for Pole Beans?

Mark sits in USDA Zone 5b. Pole Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Pole Beans grow in Mark's climate?

Yes — Pole Beans grows well in Mark's temperate climate. Mark averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 13.

🌱

Your Putnam County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Putnam 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.

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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 Putnam County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.