When to Plant Kidney Beans in Carteret County, NC
What to do in May
Here's what deserves your attention in Carteret County, North Carolina this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.
Get ahead of June
- First harvests: kidney beans
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.
Carteret County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 242 days.
At an elevation of 469 feet, Carteret County receives approximately 42.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Kidney Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kidney Beans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Carteret County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Carteret County
How your county's soil matches Kidney Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Kidney Beans prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Carteret County is excellent for Kidney Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Kidney Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Kidney Beans.
How to Plant Kidney Beans
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Carteret 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 — Carteret County, NC
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
242 days in Carteret County
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in Carteret County
Direct sow Kidney Beans outdoors after March 21 in Carteret County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Carteret County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Kidney Beans. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kidney Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kidney Beans in Carteret County, NC?
Carteret County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carteret County, NC?
Carteret County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 18.
Your Carteret County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Carteret County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.