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When to plant Black Beans in Boyd County, KY

Boyd County gardeners should plant Black Beans between April 27 and May 18 in spring. With Boyd County's Zone 7a climate (last frost April 20), Black Beans needs 90–120 days to mature — plant by June 25 for a full harvest.

When to Plant Black Beans in Boyd County, KY

Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Boyd County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 2,124 feet, Boyd County receives approximately 46.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season.

Boyd County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Boyd County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

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 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Boyd County, KY

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 27 Apr 27 – May 18
Harvest July 27 Jul 27 – Sep 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

186 days in Boyd County

Growing Tips for Boyd 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black Beans in Boyd County, KY?

Boyd County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Boyd County, KY?

Boyd County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 23.

When should I plant Black Beans in Boyd County, KY?

In Boyd County, KY, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Boyd County, KY for Black Beans?

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

Can Black Beans grow in Boyd County's climate?

Yes — Black Beans grows well in Boyd County's temperate climate. Boyd County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 23.

🌱

Your Boyd County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Boyd 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Boyd County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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