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When to plant Pole Beans in Newaygo County, MI

Newaygo County's 142-day season only supports one Pole Beans planting per year. Sow between May 23 and June 13 for the best chance at full maturity before October 5.

When to Plant Pole Beans in Newaygo County, MI

Newaygo County, Michigan Zone 5b June

June in the garden — Newaygo County, Michigan

Your garden in Newaygo County, Michigan is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.

Avg. last frost May 16
Avg. first frost October 5
Soil temp (4") 67°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15.2 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.

Newaygo County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 592 feet, Newaygo County receives approximately 38.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Pole Beans during the growing season.

Newaygo County, MI (Zone 5b) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 16
142 growing days
First Fall Frost October 5

Newaygo County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Pole Beans Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (19 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (16 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: May 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Sep 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (20 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 3 Transplant: Jun 12 🍅 Harvest: Aug 7 – Oct 2

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 Newaygo County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.8–6.9) overlaps with Pole Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Pole Beans.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Pole Beans will thrive.

How to Plant Pole Beans

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

Succession Planting Pole Beans

2
successive plantings in your 142-day season

Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 to harvest before frost.

Pole Beans Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 215 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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Newaygo 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 ~953 GDD — county provides 2,165 GDD Excellent fit

Pole Beans Planting Timeline — Newaygo County, MI

Pole Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors May 30 May 30 – Jun 13
Direct Sow May 23 May 23 – Jun 13
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 – Sep 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Harvest
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

55–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

142 days in Newaygo County

Growing Tips for Pole Beans in Newaygo County

Direct sow Pole Beans outdoors after May 16 in Newaygo 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pole Beans in Newaygo County, MI?

Newaygo County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Newaygo County, MI?

Newaygo County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is October 5.

When should I plant Pole Beans in Newaygo County, MI?

In Newaygo County, MI, plant Pole Beans after the last frost (around May 16) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Newaygo County, MI for Pole Beans?

Newaygo County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Pole Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Pole Beans grow in Newaygo County's climate?

Yes — Pole Beans grows well in Newaygo County's temperate climate. Newaygo County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 16 and first frost around October 5.

🌱

Your Newaygo County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Newaygo County (Zone 5b). 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 Newaygo County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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