When to Plant Kidney Beans in Pershing County, NV
Kidney beans are a popular dry bean variety named for their shape, available in red and white types. They are the classic bean for chili and red beans and rice.
Pershing County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.
At an elevation of 4,541 feet, Pershing County receives approximately 16.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Kidney Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Kidney Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Kidney Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pershing County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7-8.3
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 Pershing County
How your county's soil matches Kidney Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.0–8.3) is more alkaline than Kidney Beans prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Pershing County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Kidney Beans will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Kidney Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Kidney Beans.
How to Plant Kidney Beans
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Kidney Beans
Kidney 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 | Kidney Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Pershing County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kidney 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.
Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Pershing County, NV
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 20 |
| Harvest | August 29 | Aug 29 – Oct 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
123 days in Pershing County
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in Pershing County
Direct sow Kidney Beans outdoors after May 23 in Pershing County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Pershing County dries quickly — mulch Kidney Beans with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 100°F in Pershing County, provide afternoon shade for Kidney Beans and water deeply in the morning.
Your 123.0-day growing season in Pershing County is tight for Kidney Beans (85.0-110.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Kidney 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 frost. Allow pods to dry completely on the plant. Kidney beans must be thoroughly cooked as raw or undercooked beans contain harmful lectins.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Kidney Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kidney Beans in Pershing County, NV?
Pershing County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pershing County, NV?
Pershing County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is September 23.
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