When to plant Black Beans in Gray County, KS
For Gray County, gardeners: plant Black Beans April 25 through May 16 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Black Beans in Gray County, KS
Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
Gray County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 903 feet, Gray County receives approximately 30.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season.
Gray County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.8
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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Gray County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Black Beans Planting Timeline — Gray County, KS
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Sep 12 |
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 6b
📆 Growing Season
184 days in Gray County
Growing Tips for Gray 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 Gray County, KS?
Gray County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gray County, KS?
Gray County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 19.
When should I plant Black Beans in Gray County, KS?
In Gray County, KS, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Gray County, KS for Black Beans?
Gray County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Black Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Black Beans grow in Gray County's climate?
Yes — Black Beans grows well in Gray County's temperate climate. Gray County averages a 184-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 19.
Your Gray County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gray County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.