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When to plant Wax Beans in Pullman, MI

Spring Wax Beans in Pullman goes in May 9–May 30, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Wax Beans in Pullman, MI

Allegan County, Michigan Zone 6a July

Top priorities for Allegan County, Michigan gardeners in July

Here's what deserves your attention in Allegan County, Michigan this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.

Avg. last frost May 2
Avg. first frost October 14
Soil temp (4") 77°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.8 hrs

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Wax beans are a yellow-podded variety of snap beans with a buttery, slightly sweeter flavor than green beans. They are easy to spot on the plant for picking.

Pullman, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 1,257 feet, Allegan County receives approximately 37.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Wax Beans during the growing season.

Pullman, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Pullman Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Wax Beans Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (52 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (53 days to spare)
Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (46 days to spare)
Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 10

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 Pullman

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2–6.7) is within Wax Beans's preferred range (6.0–7.0).

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Wax Beans will thrive.

How to Plant Wax Beans

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

Succession Planting Wax Beans

3
successive plantings in your 165-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 10 to harvest before frost.

Wax Beans Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 67 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Wax Beans

Wax 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 Wax Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Wax 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.

Wax Beans needs ~834 GDD — county provides 2,392 GDD Excellent fit

Wax Beans Planting Timeline — Pullman, MI

Wax Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 9 May 9 – May 30
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Aug 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

50–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

165 days in Allegan County

Growing Tips for Wax Beans in Pullman

Direct sow Wax Beans outdoors after May 02 in Allegan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Wax 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 last frost. Pick pods regularly when young and tender. Bush types produce a concentrated harvest while pole types yield longer. Avoid working around wet plants.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Wax Beans in Pullman, MI?

In Pullman, MI, plant Wax Beans after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pullman, MI for Wax Beans?

Pullman sits in USDA Zone 6a. Wax Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Wax Beans grow in Pullman's climate?

Yes — Wax Beans grows well in Pullman's temperate climate. Pullman averages a 165-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 14.

🌱

Your Allegan County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Allegan 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.

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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 Allegan County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.