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When to plant Pole Beans in Chartley, MA

Spring Pole Beans in Chartley goes in May 3–May 24, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Pole Beans in Chartley, MA

Bristol County, Massachusetts Zone 7a June

June in the garden — Bristol County, Massachusetts

June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Bristol County, Massachusetts.

Avg. last frost April 26
Avg. first frost October 17
Soil temp (4") 73°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15 hrs

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Pole beans are climbing varieties of green beans that produce over a much longer season than bush types. They require trellising but yield more per square foot.

Chartley, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 833 feet, Bristol County receives approximately 47.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Pole Beans during the growing season.

Chartley, MA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Chartley Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Pole Beans Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (49 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 1 Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Jun 28 – Aug 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (48 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 8 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Aug 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (45 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Sep 17

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 Chartley

How your county's soil matches Pole Beans's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.1–6.7) is more acidic than Pole Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Bristol County is excellent for Pole Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Pole Beans.

How to Plant Pole Beans

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Pole Beans

3
successive plantings in your 174-day season

Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 to harvest before frost.

Pole Beans Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Pole Beans

Pole 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 Pole Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bristol County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Pole 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.

Pole Beans needs ~1,047 GDD — county provides 2,914 GDD Excellent fit

Pole Beans Planting Timeline — Chartley, MA

Pole Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 22
Transplant Outdoors May 10 May 10 – May 24
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 – May 24
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 – Aug 30

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April
May Transplant Outdoors 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

55–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

174 days in Bristol County

Growing Tips for Pole Beans in Chartley

Direct sow Pole Beans outdoors after April 26 in Bristol County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Pole Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

Provide sturdy 6-8 foot poles, tepees, or trellises. Direct sow after last frost. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. Beans fix nitrogen benefiting following crops.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Pole Beans in Chartley, MA?

In Chartley, MA, plant Pole Beans after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Chartley, MA for Pole Beans?

Chartley sits in USDA Zone 7a. Pole Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Pole Beans grow in Chartley's climate?

Yes — Pole Beans grows well in Chartley's temperate climate. Chartley averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Bristol County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bristol 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Bristol County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.