When to plant Pole Beans in Carter County, MT
Plant Pole Beans in Carter County, between May 29 and June 19 — the only viable window. Zone 4b's short season (130 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Pole Beans in Carter County, MT
Pole beans are climbing varieties of green beans that produce over a much longer season than bush types. They require trellising but yield more per square foot.
Carter County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.
At an elevation of 7,923 feet, Carter County receives approximately 19.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Pole Beans to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Pole Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Carter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Pole Beans
Pole 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 | Pole Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Carter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Pole Beans Planting Timeline — Carter County, MT
Pole Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 |
| Direct Sow | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 19 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
55–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
130 days in Carter County
Growing Tips for Carter County
Provide sturdy 6-8 foot poles, tepees, or trellises. Direct sow after last frost. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. Beans fix nitrogen benefiting following crops.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pole Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pole Beans in Carter County, MT?
Carter County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carter County, MT?
Carter County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 22.
When should I plant Pole Beans in Carter County, MT?
In Carter County, MT, plant Pole Beans after the last frost (around May 15) and before the first frost (around September 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Carter County, MT for Pole Beans?
Carter County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Pole Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Pole Beans grow in Carter County's climate?
Yes — Pole Beans grows well in Carter County's temperate climate. Carter County averages a 130-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 15 and first frost around September 22.
Your Carter County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Carter County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.