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When to plant Lima Beans in Tuscola County, MI

Plant Lima Beans in Tuscola County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 10. Continue planting through May 31 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Lima Beans in Tuscola County, MI

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.

Tuscola County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.

At an elevation of 1,369 feet, Tuscola County receives approximately 30.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season.

Tuscola County, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
166 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
166 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Tuscola County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Tuscola County, MI

Lima Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 10 May 10 – May 31
Harvest July 12 Jul 12 – Aug 23

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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

166 days in Tuscola County

Growing Tips for Tuscola County

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

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lima Beans in Tuscola County, MI?

Tuscola County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tuscola County, MI?

Tuscola County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Lima Beans in Tuscola County, MI?

In Tuscola County, MI, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Tuscola County, MI for Lima Beans?

Tuscola 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 Tuscola County's climate?

Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Tuscola County's temperate climate. Tuscola County averages a 166-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Tuscola County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Tuscola 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 Tuscola County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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