When to Plant Lima Beans in McKinley County, NM
April in McKinley County, New Mexico — your action list
Your McKinley County, New Mexico garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for April and why each task matters now.
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.
McKinley County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 29 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 118 days.
At an elevation of 7,104 feet, McKinley County receives approximately 10.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lima Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lima Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
McKinley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.2
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 McKinley County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.2) is more alkaline than Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in McKinley County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lima Beans will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lima Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 26 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 0.3" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.4" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1.8" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 2" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.3" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in McKinley 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 — McKinley County, NM
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jun 26 |
| Harvest | August 7 | Aug 7 – Sep 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
118 days in McKinley County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in McKinley County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after May 29 in McKinley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in McKinley County dries quickly — mulch Lima Beans with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Lima Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
McKinley County receives only 10" of rain annually. Lima Beans needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 McKinley County, NM?
McKinley County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 29. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McKinley County, NM?
McKinley County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 29 and first fall frost is September 24.
Your McKinley County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for McKinley County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.