When to Plant Lima Beans in Bossier Parish, LA
What to do in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Bossier Parish, Louisiana this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Collect lima beans at their peak
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: lima beans
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.
Bossier Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 469 feet, Bossier Parish receives approximately 59.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lima Beans root diseases.
Bossier Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Bossier Parish
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.2) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bossier Parish is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 16 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lima Beans
Lima Beans needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lima Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bossier Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lima 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.
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Bossier Parish, LA
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 12 |
| Harvest | May 24 | May 24 – Jul 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
244 days in Bossier Parish
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Bossier Parish
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after March 15 in Bossier Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lima 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 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Bossier Parish, LA?
Bossier Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bossier Parish, LA?
Bossier Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 14.
Your Bossier Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bossier Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.