When to Plant Kidney Beans in St. Bernard Parish, LA
May to-do list for St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana.
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Bring in the kidney beans
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: kidney beans
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.
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 2 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 312 days.
At an elevation of 455 feet, St. Bernard Parish receives approximately 51.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 104°F, so Kidney Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Kidney Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kidney Beans root diseases.
St. Bernard Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
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 St. Bernard Parish
How your county's soil matches Kidney Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.5) is more acidic than Kidney Beans prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Bernard Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Kidney Beans will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Kidney Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help Kidney Beans.
How to Plant Kidney Beans
Plant 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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Bernard Parish). 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 — St. Bernard Parish, LA
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 9 | Feb 9 – Mar 2 |
| Harvest | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
312 days in St. Bernard Parish
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in St. Bernard Parish
Direct sow Kidney Beans outdoors after February 02 in St. Bernard Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Bernard Parish dries quickly — mulch Kidney Beans with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 104°F in St. Bernard Parish, provide afternoon shade for Kidney Beans and water deeply in the morning.
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
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Kidney Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kidney Beans in St. Bernard Parish, LA?
St. Bernard Parish is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 2. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Bernard Parish, LA?
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 2 and first fall frost is December 11.
Your St. Bernard Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Bernard Parish (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.