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When to plant Lima Beans in Aitkin County, MN

Plant Lima Beans in Aitkin County during the brief May 23–June 13 window. With 147 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 3.

When to Plant Lima Beans in Aitkin County, MN

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.

Aitkin County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.

At an elevation of 1,188 feet, Aitkin County receives approximately 35 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Aitkin County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
147 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
147 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Aitkin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Aitkin County, MN

Lima Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 23 May 23 – Jun 13
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 – Sep 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Direct Sow
June Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 4a

📆 Growing Season

147 days in Aitkin County

Growing Tips for Aitkin 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 Aitkin County, MN?

Aitkin County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Aitkin County, MN?

Aitkin County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 3.

When should I plant Lima Beans in Aitkin County, MN?

In Aitkin County, MN, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Aitkin County, MN for Lima Beans?

Aitkin County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lima Beans grow in Aitkin County's climate?

Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Aitkin County's temperate climate. Aitkin County averages a 147-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 3.

🌱

Your Aitkin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Aitkin County (Zone 4a). 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 Aitkin County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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