When to Plant Lima Beans in New Madrid County, MO
Your May game plan for New Madrid County, Missouri
Your garden in New Madrid County, Missouri is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
New Madrid County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 881 feet, New Madrid County receives approximately 39.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season.
New Madrid County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 New Madrid County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in New Madrid County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 04 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.8" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.6" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in New Madrid 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 — New Madrid County, MO
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
217 days in New Madrid County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in New Madrid County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after March 30 in New Madrid 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 New Madrid County, MO?
New Madrid 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 New Madrid County, MO?
New Madrid County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your New Madrid County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for New Madrid 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.