Blog

When to plant Pole Beans in Davis County, IA

The best window to plant Pole Beans in Davis County, is April 26–May 17, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 19; first frost October 16.

When to Plant Pole Beans in Davis County, IA

Pole beans are climbing varieties of green beans that produce over a much longer season than bush types. They require trellising but yield more per square foot.

Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.

At an elevation of 859 feet, Davis County receives approximately 30.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Pole Beans during the growing season.

Davis County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
180 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
180 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Davis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Pole Beans

Pole 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 Pole Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Pole Beans Planting Timeline — Davis County, IA

Pole Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 8
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 – May 17
Direct Sow April 26 Apr 26 – May 17
Harvest June 28 Jun 28 – Aug 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

55–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

180 days in Davis County

Growing Tips for Davis County

Provide sturdy 6-8 foot poles, tepees, or trellises. Direct sow after last frost. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. Beans fix nitrogen benefiting following crops.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pole Beans in Davis County, IA?

Davis County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Davis County, IA?

Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Pole Beans in Davis County, IA?

In Davis County, IA, plant Pole Beans after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Davis County, IA for Pole Beans?

Davis County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Pole Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Pole Beans grow in Davis County's climate?

Yes — Pole Beans grows well in Davis County's temperate climate. Davis County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Davis County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Davis 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Davis County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.