When to plant Wax Beans in Smith County, KS
Smith County gardeners should plant Wax Beans between April 30 and May 21 in spring. With Smith County's Zone 6a climate (last frost April 23), Wax Beans needs 50–65 days to mature — plant by August 10 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Wax Beans in Smith County, KS
Top priorities for Smith County, Kansas gardeners in July
July is a pivotal month for Smith County, Kansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Wax beans are a yellow-podded variety of snap beans with a buttery, slightly sweeter flavor than green beans. They are easy to spot on the plant for picking.
Smith County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 1,048 feet, Smith County receives approximately 26.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Wax Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Smith County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Wax Beans 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 Smith County
How your county's soil matches Wax Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.3) overlaps with Wax Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Smith County is excellent for Wax Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Wax Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Wax Beans.
How to Plant Wax Beans
Succession Planting Wax Beans
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 10 to harvest before frost.
Wax Beans Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Wax Beans
Wax 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 | Wax Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Smith County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Wax 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.
Wax Beans Planting Timeline — Smith County, KS
Wax Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 |
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
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Smith County
Growing Tips for Wax Beans in Smith County
Direct sow Wax Beans outdoors after April 23 in Smith County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Wax 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. Pick pods regularly when young and tender. Bush types produce a concentrated harvest while pole types yield longer. Avoid working around wet plants.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Wax Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Wax Beans in Smith County, KS?
Smith County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Wax Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Smith County, KS?
Smith County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Wax Beans in Smith County, KS?
In Smith County, KS, plant Wax Beans after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Smith County, KS for Wax Beans?
Smith County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Wax Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Wax Beans grow in Smith County's climate?
Yes — Wax Beans grows well in Smith County's temperate climate. Smith County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 14.
Your Smith County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Smith 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.