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When to plant Kidney Beans in Simpson County, KY

Kidney Beans planted in Simpson County between April 13 and May 4 matures in 85–110 days — well before the October 29 first frost.

When to Plant Kidney Beans in Simpson County, KY

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.

Simpson County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.

At an elevation of 3,996 feet, Simpson County receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season.

Simpson County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
206 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
206 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Simpson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

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 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Simpson County, KY

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 13 Apr 13 – May 4
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 – Aug 17

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
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

85–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

206 days in Simpson County

Growing Tips for Simpson County

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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kidney Beans in Simpson County, KY?

Simpson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Simpson County, KY?

Simpson County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 29.

When should I plant Kidney Beans in Simpson County, KY?

In Simpson County, KY, plant Kidney Beans after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Simpson County, KY for Kidney Beans?

Simpson 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 Simpson County's climate?

Yes — Kidney Beans grows well in Simpson County's temperate climate. Simpson County averages a 206-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 29.

🌱

Your Simpson County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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