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When to plant Pole Beans in Traverse County, MN

In Traverse County, plant Pole Beans in spring between May 16 and June 6, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Traverse County's last frost averages May 2, so be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 55–70 days before the first frost on October 6.

When to Plant Pole Beans in Traverse County, MN

Pole beans are climbing varieties of green beans that produce over a much longer season than bush types. They require trellising but yield more per square foot.

Traverse County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.

At an elevation of 1,008 feet, Traverse County receives approximately 31.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Pole Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Traverse County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
157 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
157 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Traverse County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Pole Beans

Pole 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 Pole Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Pole Beans Planting Timeline — Traverse County, MN

Pole Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 14
Transplant Outdoors May 23 May 23 – Jun 6
Direct Sow May 16 May 16 – Jun 6
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 – Sep 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

55–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

📆 Growing Season

157 days in Traverse County

Growing Tips for Traverse County

Provide sturdy 6-8 foot poles, tepees, or trellises. Direct sow after last frost. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. Beans fix nitrogen benefiting following crops.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pole Beans in Traverse County, MN?

Traverse County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Traverse County, MN?

Traverse County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Pole Beans in Traverse County, MN?

In Traverse County, MN, plant Pole Beans after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Traverse County, MN for Pole Beans?

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

Can Pole Beans grow in Traverse County's climate?

Yes — Pole Beans grows well in Traverse County's temperate climate. Traverse County averages a 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 6.

🌱

Your Traverse County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Traverse 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.

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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 Traverse County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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