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When to plant Black Beans in Faribault County, MN

In Zone 5a (Faribault County), direct-sow Black Beans between May 7 and May 28 for spring, after the April 30 last-frost mark.

When to Plant Black Beans in Faribault County, MN

Faribault County, Minnesota Zone 5a July

July in the garden — Faribault County, Minnesota

Your Faribault County, Minnesota garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost April 30
Avg. first frost October 4
Soil temp (4") 74°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.9 hrs

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Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Faribault County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.

At an elevation of 506 feet, Faribault County receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Black Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Faribault County, MN (Zone 5a) Moderate season
157 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
157 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Faribault County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Black Beans Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (17 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Sep 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (17 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Sep 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (15 days to spare)
Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Oct 1

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 Faribault County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.0–7.1) is within Black Beans's preferred range (6.0–7.5).

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

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

How to Plant Black Beans

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

Black Beans Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Black Beans

Black 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 Black Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Black 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.

Black Beans needs ~1,129 GDD — county provides 1,687 GDD Excellent fit

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Faribault County, MN

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 7 May 7 – May 28
Harvest August 6 Aug 6 – Sep 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

157 days in Faribault County

Growing Tips for Black Beans in Faribault County

Direct sow Black Beans outdoors after April 30 in Faribault County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Black 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. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black Beans in Faribault County, MN?

Faribault County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Faribault County, MN?

Faribault County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 4.

When should I plant Black Beans in Faribault County, MN?

In Faribault County, MN, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Faribault County, MN for Black Beans?

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

Can Black Beans grow in Faribault County's climate?

Yes — Black Beans grows well in Faribault County's temperate climate. Faribault County averages a 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 4.

🌱

Your Faribault County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Faribault County (Zone 5a). 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 Faribault County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.