When to Plant Christmas Lima Beans in Benzie County, MI
May in the garden — Benzie County, Michigan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Benzie County, Michigan this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Transplant christmas lima beans outside
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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Plant christmas lima beans from seed, right in the garden
Succession planting is the secret here. Put in a row now, another in 2 weeks, a third in 4.
Christmas lima beans are a large, beautifully marbled heirloom bean with a rich, chestnut-like flavor. They are a climbing variety that produces generously in warm weather.
Benzie County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 1,075 feet, Benzie County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Christmas Lima Beans during the growing season.
Benzie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.7
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 Benzie County
How your county's soil matches Christmas Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.7) is within Christmas Lima Beans's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Benzie County is excellent for Christmas Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Christmas Lima Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Christmas Lima Beans
Succession Planting Christmas Lima Beans
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 05 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Christmas Lima Beans
Christmas Lima 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 | Christmas Lima Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Benzie County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Christmas 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.
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Benzie County, MI
Christmas Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 9 |
| Direct Sow | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 9 |
| Harvest | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
154 days in Benzie County
Growing Tips for Christmas Lima Beans in Benzie County
Direct sow Christmas Lima Beans outdoors after May 12 in Benzie County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Christmas 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 warm. Provide tall trellising for vigorous vines. Harvest for fresh shelling when pods are plump or allow to dry on the vine for storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Christmas Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Christmas Lima Beans in Benzie County, MI?
Benzie County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Christmas Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benzie County, MI?
Benzie County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 13.
Your Benzie County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Benzie County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.