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When to plant Lima Beans in Henderson County, KY

The best window to plant Lima Beans in Henderson County, is April 12–May 3, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 5; first frost October 31.

When to Plant Lima Beans in Henderson County, KY

Lima beans are a warm-season legume producing large, creamy beans with a buttery texture. Both bush and pole varieties are available, with pole types yielding more.

Henderson County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.

At an elevation of 3,992 feet, Henderson County receives approximately 47.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season.

Henderson County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
209 days
Last Spring Frost April 5
209 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Henderson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lima Beans

Lima 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 Lima Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Henderson County, KY

Lima Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 12 Apr 12 – May 3
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 – Jul 26

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
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

209 days in Henderson County

Growing Tips for Henderson County

Direct sow after soil is thoroughly warm at 65F or above. Do not soak seeds before planting as they may crack. Harvest when pods are plump but still green for fresh limas.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lima Beans in Henderson County, KY?

Henderson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Henderson County, KY?

Henderson County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 31.

When should I plant Lima Beans in Henderson County, KY?

In Henderson County, KY, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around April 5) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Henderson County, KY for Lima Beans?

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

Can Lima Beans grow in Henderson County's climate?

Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Henderson County's temperate climate. Henderson County averages a 209-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 5 and first frost around October 31.

🌱

Your Henderson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Henderson 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 Henderson County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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