When to plant Lima Beans in Union Parish County,
Spring Lima Beans in Union Parish County goes in March 29–April 19, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Union Parish, LA
Union Parish, Louisiana gardeners: here's your June plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Union Parish, Louisiana this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Bring in the lima beans
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Get ahead of July
- 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.
Union Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 426 feet, Union Parish receives approximately 57.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Lima Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lima Beans root diseases.
Union Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
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 Union Parish
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Union Parish is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 07 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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Union 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 — Union Parish, LA
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | May 31 | May 31 – Jul 12 |
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
228 days in Union Parish
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Union Parish
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after March 22 in Union Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Union Parish, provide afternoon shade for Lima Beans and water deeply in the morning.
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 Union Parish, LA?
Union Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union Parish, LA?
Union Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 5.
When should I plant Lima Beans in Union Parish County, ?
In Union Parish County, , plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Union Parish County, for Lima Beans?
Union Parish County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Union Parish County's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Union Parish County's temperate climate. Union Parish County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 5.
Your Union Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Union 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.