Blog

When to plant Kidney Beans in Pennington County, MN

Plant Kidney Beans in Pennington County during the brief May 24–June 14 window. With 143 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before September 30.

When to Plant Kidney Beans in Pennington County, MN

Kidney beans are a popular dry bean variety named for their shape, available in red and white types. They are the classic bean for chili and red beans and rice.

Pennington County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.

At an elevation of 854 feet, Pennington County receives approximately 35.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kidney Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Pennington County, MN (Zone 3b) Short season
143 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
143 growing days
First Fall Frost September 30

Pennington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Pennington County, MN

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 24 May 24 – Jun 14
Harvest August 23 Aug 23 – Sep 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

85–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 3b

📆 Growing Season

143 days in Pennington County

Growing Tips for Pennington County

Direct sow after frost. Allow pods to dry completely on the plant. Kidney beans must be thoroughly cooked as raw or undercooked beans contain harmful lectins.

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 Kidney Beans in Pennington County, MN?

Pennington County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pennington County, MN?

Pennington County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 30.

When should I plant Kidney Beans in Pennington County, MN?

In Pennington County, MN, plant Kidney Beans after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around September 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pennington County, MN for Kidney Beans?

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

Can Kidney Beans grow in Pennington County's climate?

Yes — Kidney Beans grows well in Pennington County's temperate climate. Pennington County averages a 143-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around September 30.

🌱

Your Pennington County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pennington County (Zone 3b). 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 Pennington County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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