When to plant Lima Beans in Steele County County,
In Zone 4b (Steele County County), direct-sow Lima Beans between May 12 and June 2 for spring, after the April 28 last-frost mark.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Steele County, MN
June to-do list for Steele County, Minnesota
Welcome to June in Zone 4b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: lima beans
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.
Steele County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 1,184 feet, Steele County receives approximately 37.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Steele County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Lima Beans Planting Risk Windows
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 Steele County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.7) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Steele County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Lima Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 09 to harvest before frost.
Lima Beans Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lima Beans
Lima Beans needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lima Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Steele County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lima 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.
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Steele County, MN
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 |
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
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Steele County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Steele County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after April 28 in Steele County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lima 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 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 Steele County, MN?
Steele County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Steele County, MN?
Steele County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Lima Beans in Steele County, ?
In Steele County, , plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Steele County, for Lima Beans?
Steele 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 Steele County's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Steele County's temperate climate. Steele County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 7.
Your Steele County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Steele 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.