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When to plant Lima Beans in Webster County, MS

Plant Lima Beans in Webster County from March 30 to April 20 in spring. Webster County sits in USDA Zone 8a, with last frost around March 23 and first frost on November 7.

When to Plant Lima Beans in Webster County, MS

Webster County, Mississippi Zone 8a July

July to-do list for Webster County, Mississippi

Your Webster County, Mississippi garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost March 23
Avg. first frost November 7
Soil temp (4") 85°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14 hrs

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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.

Webster County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.

At an elevation of 135 feet, Webster County receives approximately 56.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°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.

Webster County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
229 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
229 growing days
First Fall Frost November 7

Webster County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Lima Beans Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 17 – Jun 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (124 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 23 🍅 Harvest: May 25 – Jul 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (123 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Jun 14 – Jul 26

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 Webster County

How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.6–6.2) is more acidic than Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Webster County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Lima Beans.

How to Plant Lima Beans

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Lima Beans

4
successive plantings in your 229-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 09 to harvest before frost.

Lima Beans Water Budget

Plant needs
0.9″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.9" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 3.9" 3.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 3.9" 4.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 3.9" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 3.9" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 3.9" 6.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 3.9" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 3.9" 3.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 3.9" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Webster 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 needs ~1,481 GDD — county provides 4,522 GDD Excellent fit

Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Webster County, MS

Lima Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest June 1 Jun 1 – Jul 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

229 days in Webster County

Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Webster County

Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after March 23 in Webster County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Webster County's clay soil (28% 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

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lima Beans in Webster County, MS?

Webster County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Webster County, MS?

Webster County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 7.

When should I plant Lima Beans in Webster County, MS?

In Webster County, MS, plant Lima Beans after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Webster County, MS for Lima Beans?

Webster County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Lima Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lima Beans grow in Webster County's climate?

Yes — Lima Beans grows well in Webster County's temperate climate. Webster County averages a 229-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 7.

🌱

Your Webster County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Webster County (Zone 8a). 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 Webster County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.