When to plant Pole Beans in Madison County, IA
Plant Pole Beans in Madison County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 1. Continue planting through May 22 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Pole Beans in Madison 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.
Madison County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 1,022 feet, Madison County receives approximately 40.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Pole Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Pole Beans Planting Timeline — Madison County, IA
Pole Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | May 1 | May 1 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors 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
55–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Madison 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pole Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pole Beans in Madison County, IA?
Madison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, IA?
Madison County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Pole Beans in Madison County, IA?
In Madison County, IA, plant Pole Beans after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Madison County, IA for Pole Beans?
Madison 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 Madison County's climate?
Yes — Pole Beans grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison 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.