When to plant Lima Beans in Bay County, MI
For Bay County, gardeners: plant Lima Beans May 17 through June 7 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Bay County, MI
What to do in June
Your Bay County, Michigan garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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.
Bay County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 835 feet, Bay County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season.
Bay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.8
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 Bay County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.8) is within Lima Beans's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bay County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Lima Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 09 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.9" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Bay County). 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 — Bay County, MI
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
150 days in Bay County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Bay County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after May 10 in Bay County 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 Bay County, MI?
Bay County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bay County, MI?
Bay County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Lima Beans in Bay County, MI?
In Bay County, MI, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bay County, MI for Lima Beans?
Bay County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Bay County's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Bay County's temperate climate. Bay County averages a 150-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 7.
Your Bay County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bay County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.