When to plant Kidney Beans in Wabash County, IL
In Wabash County, plant Kidney Beans in spring between April 16 and May 7, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Wabash County's last frost averages April 9, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 85–110 days before the first frost on October 28.
When to Plant Kidney Beans in Wabash County, IL
August in Wabash County, Illinois — your action list
Here's what deserves your attention in Wabash County, Illinois this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6b and timed around your local frost dates.
Kidney beans are a popular dry bean variety named for their shape, available in red and white types. They are the classic bean for chili and red beans and rice.
Wabash County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 880 feet, Wabash County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season.
Wabash County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Kidney 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 Wabash County
How your county's soil matches Kidney Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.3) overlaps with Kidney Beans's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wabash County is excellent for Kidney Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Kidney Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Kidney Beans
Kidney Beans Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Kidney Beans
Kidney 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 | Kidney Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wabash County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kidney 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.
Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Wabash County, IL
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Aug 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
202 days in Wabash County
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in Wabash County
Direct sow Kidney Beans outdoors after April 09 in Wabash County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kidney 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 frost. Allow pods to dry completely on the plant. Kidney beans must be thoroughly cooked as raw or undercooked beans contain harmful lectins.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kidney Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kidney Beans in Wabash County, IL?
Wabash County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wabash County, IL?
Wabash County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Kidney Beans in Wabash County, IL?
In Wabash County, IL, plant Kidney Beans after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Wabash County, IL for Kidney Beans?
Wabash County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Kidney Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kidney Beans grow in Wabash County's climate?
Yes — Kidney Beans grows well in Wabash County's temperate climate. Wabash County averages a 202-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 28.
Your Wabash County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Wabash 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.