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When to plant Green Beans in Lake County, MN

Plant Green Beans in Lake County, between June 15 and July 6 — the only viable window. Zone 4a's short season (103 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Green Beans in Lake County, MN

Green Beans

Green beans are a warm-season staple available as bush or pole types. Bush beans produce a concentrated harvest while pole beans provide a longer picking season.

Lake County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 1 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 103 days.

At an elevation of 1,191 feet, Lake County receives approximately 36.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Green Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Lake County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
103 days
Last Spring Frost June 1
103 growing days
First Fall Frost September 12

Lake County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Green Beans

Green 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 Green Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Green Beans Planting Timeline — Lake County, MN

Green Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow June 15 Jun 15 – Jul 6
Harvest August 10 Aug 10 – Oct 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

50–65 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

📆 Growing Season

103 days in Lake County

Growing Tips for Lake County

Direct sow after last frost when soil is warm. Provide sturdy supports for pole varieties. Pick beans regularly when young and tender to encourage continued production.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Green Beans Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Allow pods to dry fully on vine until they rattle.
Storage Store airtight; viable 4 years at 35°F, under 45% humidity.

Avoid harvesting during damp weather. Isolate 25 ft between varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Green Beans in Lake County, MN?

Lake County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 1. Plan your Green Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lake County, MN?

Lake County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 1 and first fall frost is September 12.

When should I plant Green Beans in Lake County, MN?

In Lake County, MN, plant Green Beans after the last frost (around June 1) and before the first frost (around September 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lake County, MN for Green Beans?

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

Can Green Beans grow in Lake County's climate?

Yes — Green Beans grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 103-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 1 and first frost around September 12.

🌱

Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lake 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lake County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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