Blog

When to plant Green Beans in Mapleton, KS

The best window to plant Green Beans in Mapleton, is April 15–May 6, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 8; first frost October 25.

When to Plant Green Beans in Mapleton, KS

Green Beans
Bourbon County, Kansas Zone 7a August

Your August game plan for Bourbon County, Kansas

A quick August briefing for Bourbon County, Kansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.

Avg. last frost April 8
Avg. first frost October 25
Soil temp (4") 84°F
Watering Moderate
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.5 hrs

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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.

Mapleton, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 438 feet, Bourbon County receives approximately 26 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Green Beans during the growing season.

Mapleton, KS (Zone 7a) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Mapleton Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Green Beans Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (88 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jul 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (88 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 3 – Jul 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (86 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Aug 11

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 Mapleton

How your county's soil matches Green Beans's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) overlaps with Green Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Bourbon County is excellent for Green Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Green Beans.

How to Plant Green Beans

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Green Beans

4
successive plantings in your 200-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 21 to harvest before frost.

Green Beans Water Budget

Plant needs
0.9″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 630 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Green Beans

Green 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 Green Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.9" 2.7" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
May 3.9" 4.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3.9" 3.8" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 3.9" 3.2" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 3.9" 3.3" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 3.9" 2.4" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 3.9" 1.8" 2.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Green 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.

Green Beans needs ~791 GDD — county provides 2,750 GDD Excellent fit

Green Beans Planting Timeline — Mapleton, KS

Green Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 15 Apr 15 – May 6
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 – Aug 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

50–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

200 days in Bourbon County

Growing Tips for Green Beans in Mapleton

Direct sow Green Beans outdoors after April 08 in Bourbon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Green 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 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.

When should I plant Green Beans in Mapleton, KS?

In Mapleton, KS, plant Green Beans after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mapleton, KS for Green Beans?

Mapleton sits in USDA Zone 7a. Green Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Green Beans grow in Mapleton's climate?

Yes — Green Beans grows well in Mapleton's temperate climate. Mapleton averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 25.

🌱

Your Bourbon County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bourbon County (Zone 7a). 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 Bourbon County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.