When to plant Kidney Beans in Powell County, KY
Powell County's spring Kidney Beans window runs April 23 through May 14. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.
When to Plant Kidney Beans in Powell County, KY
Your June game plan for Powell County, Kentucky
Your garden in Powell County, Kentucky is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
Kidney beans are a popular dry bean variety named for their shape, available in red and white types. They are the classic bean for chili and red beans and rice.
Powell County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 3,812 feet, Powell County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season.
Powell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Kidney 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 Powell County
How your county's soil matches Kidney Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.0) overlaps with Kidney Beans's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Powell County is excellent for Kidney Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Kidney Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Kidney Beans.
How to Plant Kidney Beans
Kidney Beans Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Kidney Beans
Kidney 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 | Kidney Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Powell County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kidney 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.
Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Powell County, KY
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Aug 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Powell County
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in Powell County
Direct sow Kidney Beans outdoors after April 16 in Powell County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kidney 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 frost. Allow pods to dry completely on the plant. Kidney beans must be thoroughly cooked as raw or undercooked beans contain harmful lectins.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kidney Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kidney Beans in Powell County, KY?
Powell County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Powell County, KY?
Powell County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Kidney Beans in Powell County, KY?
In Powell County, KY, plant Kidney Beans after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Powell County, KY for Kidney Beans?
Powell County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Kidney Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kidney Beans grow in Powell County's climate?
Yes — Kidney Beans grows well in Powell County's temperate climate. Powell County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 24.
Your Powell County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Powell 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.