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When to plant Lima Beans in Washington County, KY

The best window to plant Lima Beans in Washington County, is April 15–May 6, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 8; first frost October 29.

When to Plant Lima Beans in Washington 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.

Washington County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.

At an elevation of 2,281 feet, Washington County receives approximately 43.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season.

Washington County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
204 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
204 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-7

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 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Washington County, KY

Lima Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 15 Apr 15 – May 6
Harvest June 17 Jun 17 – Jul 29

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

204 days in Washington County

Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, KY?

Washington County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, KY?

Washington County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 29.

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

In Washington County, KY, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

Washington 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 Washington County's climate?

Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 29.

🌱

Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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