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When to plant Black Beans in Wadena County, MN

Wadena County sits in cold Zone 4a. Plant Black Beans May 27–June 17 for the single annual harvest; the September 27 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Black Beans in Wadena County, MN

Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Wadena County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.

At an elevation of 1,320 feet, Wadena County receives approximately 40.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Black Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Wadena County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
137 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
137 growing days
First Fall Frost September 27

Wadena County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Black Beans

Black 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 Black Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Wadena County, MN

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 27 May 27 – Jun 17
Harvest August 26 Aug 26 – Oct 14

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 Harvest
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4a

📆 Growing Season

137 days in Wadena County

Growing Tips for Wadena County

Direct sow after last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.

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 Black Beans in Wadena County, MN?

Wadena County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wadena County, MN?

Wadena County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 27.

When should I plant Black Beans in Wadena County, MN?

In Wadena County, MN, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around May 13) and before the first frost (around September 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Wadena County, MN for Black Beans?

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

Can Black Beans grow in Wadena County's climate?

Yes — Black Beans grows well in Wadena County's temperate climate. Wadena County averages a 137-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 13 and first frost around September 27.

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Your Wadena County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Wadena 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.

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

Sources & credits

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