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When to plant Yard Long Beans in Winnebago County, IL

Yard Long Beans planted in Winnebago County between May 3 and May 24 matures in 55–80 days — well before the October 12 first frost.

When to Plant Yard Long Beans in Winnebago County, IL

Yard long beans are a tropical legume that produces slender pods up to 24 inches long. They are a staple in Southeast Asian cooking and thrive in hot weather.

Winnebago County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.

At an elevation of 1,318 feet, Winnebago County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Yard Long Beans during the growing season.

Winnebago County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
169 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
169 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Winnebago County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Yard Long Beans

Yard Long 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 Yard Long Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Yard Long Beans Planting Timeline — Winnebago County, IL

Yard Long Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 1 Mar 1 – Mar 15
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 – May 24
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 – Aug 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

55–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

169 days in Winnebago County

Growing Tips for Winnebago County

Direct sow after soil is warm. Provide tall poles or trellising as vines can reach 8-10 feet. Harvest when pods are pencil-thick before seeds bulge. Cook quickly for best texture.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Yard Long Beans in Winnebago County, IL?

Winnebago County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Yard Long Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Winnebago County, IL?

Winnebago County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 12.

When should I plant Yard Long Beans in Winnebago County, IL?

In Winnebago County, IL, plant Yard Long Beans after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Winnebago County, IL for Yard Long Beans?

Winnebago County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Yard Long Beans grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Yard Long Beans grow in Winnebago County's climate?

Yes — Yard Long Beans grows well in Winnebago County's temperate climate. Winnebago County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 12.

🌱

Your Winnebago County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Winnebago 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 Winnebago County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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