When to plant Black Beans in Williamson County, IL
For Black Beans in Williamson County, the safe spring window opens around April 17 and closes around May 8. Last expected frost is April 10, first fall frost October 20, giving a 193-day growing season.
When to Plant Black Beans in Williamson 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.
Williamson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 1,253 feet, Williamson County receives approximately 38.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season.
Williamson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Williamson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Black Beans Planting Timeline — Williamson County, IL
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 4 |
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 | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
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
193 days in Williamson County
Growing Tips for Williamson 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Black Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Black Beans in Williamson County, IL?
Williamson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Williamson County, IL?
Williamson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Black Beans in Williamson County, IL?
In Williamson County, IL, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Williamson County, IL for Black Beans?
Williamson 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 Williamson County's climate?
Yes — Black Beans grows well in Williamson County's temperate climate. Williamson County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 20.
Your Williamson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Williamson 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.