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When to plant Pole Beans in Musselshell County, MT

In Musselshell County, Pole Beans is a spring-only crop. Plant May 28–June 18 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Pole Beans in Musselshell 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.

Musselshell County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.

At an elevation of 6,528 feet, Musselshell County receives approximately 15.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°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.

Musselshell County, MT (Zone 4b) Short season
132 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
132 growing days
First Fall Frost September 23

Musselshell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-8.4

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 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Musselshell County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Pole Beans Planting Timeline — Musselshell County, MT

Pole Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors June 4 Jun 4 – Jun 18
Direct Sow May 28 May 28 – Jun 18
Harvest July 30 Jul 30 – Sep 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

132 days in Musselshell County

Growing Tips for Musselshell 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pole Beans in Musselshell County, MT?

Musselshell County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Pole Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Musselshell County, MT?

Musselshell County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 23.

When should I plant Pole Beans in Musselshell County, MT?

In Musselshell County, MT, plant Pole Beans after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Musselshell County, MT for Pole Beans?

Musselshell 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 Musselshell County's climate?

Yes — Pole Beans grows well in Musselshell County's temperate climate. Musselshell County averages a 132-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 23.

🌱

Your Musselshell County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Musselshell 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.

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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 Musselshell County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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