When to plant Kidney Beans in Wolfe County, KY
Wolfe County gardeners should plant Kidney Beans between April 25 and May 16 in spring. With Wolfe County's Zone 7a climate (last frost April 18), Kidney Beans needs 85–110 days to mature — plant by July 3 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Kidney Beans in Wolfe County, KY
Your June game plan for Wolfe County, Kentucky
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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.
Wolfe County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 1,977 feet, Wolfe County receives approximately 49.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season.
Wolfe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
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 Wolfe County
How your county's soil matches Kidney Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Kidney Beans's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wolfe County is excellent for Kidney Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wolfe 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 — Wolfe County, KY
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 29 |
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
186 days in Wolfe County
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in Wolfe County
Direct sow Kidney Beans outdoors after April 18 in Wolfe 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 Wolfe County, KY?
Wolfe County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wolfe County, KY?
Wolfe County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Kidney Beans in Wolfe County, KY?
In Wolfe County, KY, plant Kidney Beans after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Wolfe County, KY for Kidney Beans?
Wolfe 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 Wolfe County's climate?
Yes — Kidney Beans grows well in Wolfe County's temperate climate. Wolfe County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 21.
Your Wolfe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Wolfe 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.