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When to plant Green Beans in Delaware County, IA

Delaware County's spring Green Beans window runs May 9 through May 30. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.

When to Plant Green Beans in Delaware County, IA

Green Beans

Green beans are a warm-season staple available as bush or pole types. Bush beans produce a concentrated harvest while pole beans provide a longer picking season.

Delaware County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 974 feet, Delaware County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Green Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Delaware County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Delaware County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Green Beans

Green 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 Green Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Green Beans Planting Timeline — Delaware County, IA

Green Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 9 May 9 – May 30
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Aug 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May 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

50–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

158 days in Delaware County

Growing Tips for Delaware County

Direct sow after last frost when soil is warm. Provide sturdy supports for pole varieties. Pick beans regularly when young and tender to encourage continued production.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Green Beans Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Allow pods to dry fully on vine until they rattle.
Storage Store airtight; viable 4 years at 35°F, under 45% humidity.

Avoid harvesting during damp weather. Isolate 25 ft between varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Green Beans in Delaware County, IA?

Delaware County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Green Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Delaware County, IA?

Delaware County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Green Beans in Delaware County, IA?

In Delaware County, IA, plant Green Beans after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Delaware County, IA for Green Beans?

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

Can Green Beans grow in Delaware County's climate?

Yes — Green Beans grows well in Delaware County's temperate climate. Delaware County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Delaware County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Delaware County (Zone 5a). 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 Delaware County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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