When to plant Lima Beans in Natchitoches Parish County,
Lima Beans planted in Natchitoches Parish County between March 20 and April 10 matures in 90 days — well before the November 12 first frost.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Natchitoches Parish, LA
Your June planting checklist for Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Start harvesting lima beans
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 227 feet, Natchitoches Parish receives approximately 49.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season.
Natchitoches Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Lima 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 Natchitoches Parish
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.0) is within Lima Beans's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Natchitoches Parish is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 14 to harvest before frost.
Lima Beans 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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Natchitoches 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 — Natchitoches Parish, LA
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 3 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
244 days in Natchitoches Parish
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Natchitoches Parish
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after March 13 in Natchitoches 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 Natchitoches Parish, LA?
Natchitoches Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Natchitoches Parish, LA?
Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 12.
When should I plant Lima Beans in Natchitoches Parish County, ?
In Natchitoches Parish County, , plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around March 13) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Natchitoches Parish County, for Lima Beans?
Natchitoches Parish County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Natchitoches Parish County's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Natchitoches Parish County's temperate climate. Natchitoches Parish County averages a 244-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 13 and first frost around November 12.
Your Natchitoches Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Natchitoches Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.