When to plant Lima Beans in Olmsted County, MN
Plant Lima Beans in Olmsted County after May 3; the prime window is May 17–June 7.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Olmsted 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.
Olmsted County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 992 feet, Olmsted County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Olmsted County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Lima Beans
Lima 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 | Lima Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Olmsted County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Olmsted County, MN
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
154 days in Olmsted County
Growing Tips for Olmsted 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Olmsted County, MN?
Olmsted County is in Zone 4b 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 Olmsted County, MN?
Olmsted County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 4.
When should I plant Lima Beans in Olmsted County, MN?
In Olmsted County, MN, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Olmsted County, MN for Lima Beans?
Olmsted County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Olmsted County's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Olmsted County's temperate climate. Olmsted County averages a 154-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 4.
Your Olmsted County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Olmsted County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.