Blog

When to plant Black Beans in Jackson County, KY

Black Beans planted in Jackson County between April 24 and May 15 matures in 90–120 days — well before the October 23 first frost.

When to Plant Black Beans in Jackson 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.

Jackson County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 1,120 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 51 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Black Beans root diseases.

Jackson County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

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 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Jackson County, KY

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 – May 15
Harvest July 24 Jul 24 – Sep 11

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 6b

📆 Growing Season

189 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jackson 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 Jackson County, KY?

Jackson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, KY?

Jackson County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 23.

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

In Jackson County, KY, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

Jackson 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 Jackson County's climate?

Yes — Black Beans grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 23.

🌱

Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson 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.

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 Jackson County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.