When to Plant Lima Beans in Lee County, IA
May in Lee County, Iowa — your action list
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Lee County, Iowa this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: lima beans
Lima beans are a warm-season legume producing large, creamy beans with a buttery texture. Both bush and pole varieties are available, with pole types yielding more.
Lee County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 1,393 feet, Lee County receives approximately 36.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Lee County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.2) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lee County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lima Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Lima Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 20 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lima Beans
Lima Beans needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lima Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.3" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lima 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.
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Lee County, IA
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Lee County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after April 16 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lima 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 soil is thoroughly warm at 65F or above. Do not soak seeds before planting as they may crack. Harvest when pods are plump but still green for fresh limas.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Lee County, IA?
Lee County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, IA?
Lee County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lee 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.