When to plant Black Beans in Cass County, IN
For Black Beans in Cass County, the safe spring window opens around May 1 and closes around May 22. Last expected frost is April 24, first fall frost October 17, giving a 176-day growing season.
When to Plant Black Beans in Cass County, IN
Top priorities for Cass County, Indiana gardeners in June
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Cass County, Indiana.
Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
Cass County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 703 feet, Cass County receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Black Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Cass County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Black 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 Cass County
How your county's soil matches Black Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Black Beans's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cass County is excellent for Black Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Black Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Black Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Black Beans
Black Beans Water Budget
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cass County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Black 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.
Black Beans Planting Timeline — Cass County, IN
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 1 | May 1 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Sep 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
176 days in Cass County
Growing Tips for Black Beans in Cass County
Direct sow Black Beans outdoors after April 24 in Cass County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Black 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 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 Cass County, IN?
Cass County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cass County, IN?
Cass County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Black Beans in Cass County, IN?
In Cass County, IN, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cass County, IN for Black Beans?
Cass County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Black Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Black Beans grow in Cass County's climate?
Yes — Black Beans grows well in Cass County's temperate climate. Cass County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 17.
Your Cass County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cass County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.