When to plant Black Beans in Scott County, IA
Plant Black Beans in Scott County after April 15; the prime window is April 22–May 13.
When to Plant Black Beans in Scott County, IA
Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
Scott County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 678 feet, Scott County receives approximately 37.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Black Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Scott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.7
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Scott County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Black Beans Planting Timeline — Scott County, IA
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Sep 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Scott County
Growing Tips for Scott 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Black Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Black Beans in Scott County, IA?
Scott County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scott County, IA?
Scott County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Black Beans in Scott County, IA?
In Scott County, IA, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Scott County, IA for Black Beans?
Scott County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Black Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Black Beans grow in Scott County's climate?
Yes — Black Beans grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.
Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Scott 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.