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When to plant Black Beans in Monroe County, IN

Plant Black Beans in Monroe County from April 19 to May 10 in spring. Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 6b, with last frost around April 12 and first frost on October 20.

When to Plant Black Beans in Monroe County, IN

Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Monroe County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 670 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 36.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season.

Monroe County, IN (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 12
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.2

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Monroe County, IN

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 19 Apr 19 – May 10
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 – Sep 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

191 days in Monroe County

Growing Tips for Monroe 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black Beans in Monroe County, IN?

Monroe County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, IN?

Monroe County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Black Beans in Monroe County, IN?

In Monroe County, IN, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Monroe County, IN for Black Beans?

Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Black Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Black Beans grow in Monroe County's climate?

Yes — Black Beans grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 20.

🌱

Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe 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.

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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 Monroe County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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