When to Plant Lima Beans in Tishomingo County, MS
Your May game plan for Tishomingo County, Mississippi
Your Tishomingo County, Mississippi garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Tishomingo County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.
At an elevation of 101 feet, Tishomingo County receives approximately 56.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lima Beans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lima Beans root diseases.
Tishomingo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Tishomingo County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.5) is more acidic than Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Tishomingo County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 31 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Tishomingo 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 — Tishomingo County, MS
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
213 days in Tishomingo County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Tishomingo County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after March 30 in Tishomingo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Tishomingo County's clay soil (29% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Lima Beans. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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
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Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Tishomingo County, MS?
Tishomingo County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tishomingo County, MS?
Tishomingo County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Tishomingo County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tishomingo County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.