When to plant Lima Beans in Wilkin County, MN
Wilkin County's short 142-day growing season means one Lima Beans planting between May 25 and June 15. No fall crop in Zone 4a.
When to Plant Lima Beans in Wilkin County, MN
This month in Wilkin County, Minnesota
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Wilkin County, Minnesota this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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.
Wilkin County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 1,365 feet, Wilkin County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Wilkin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7
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 Wilkin County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.0) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wilkin County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lima Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Lima Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 02 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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Wilkin 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 — Wilkin County, MN
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 15 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 7 |
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 | Harvest |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
142 days in Wilkin County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Wilkin County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after May 11 in Wilkin 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 Wilkin County, MN?
Wilkin County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wilkin County, MN?
Wilkin County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 30.
When should I plant Lima Beans in Wilkin County, MN?
In Wilkin County, MN, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around September 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Wilkin County, MN for Lima Beans?
Wilkin County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lima Beans grow in Wilkin County's climate?
Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Wilkin County's temperate climate. Wilkin County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around September 30.
Your Wilkin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Wilkin 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.