When to Plant Lima Beans in Ontario County, NY
May to-do list for Ontario County, New York
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Put lima beans seeds straight in the ground
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
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.
Ontario County, New York is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 33 feet, Ontario County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Ontario County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.6
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 Ontario County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.6) is more acidic than Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ontario County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 22 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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ontario 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 — Ontario County, NY
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Ontario County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Ontario County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after April 29 in Ontario 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 Ontario County, NY?
Ontario County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ontario County, NY?
Ontario County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Ontario County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ontario County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.