When to Plant Kidney Beans in Franklin County, NC
April to-do list for Franklin County, North Carolina
Welcome to April in Zone 7b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Outdoor sowing time: kidney beans
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
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.
Franklin County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 224 days.
At an elevation of 285 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 43.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Kidney Beans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.4
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 Franklin County
How your county's soil matches Kidney Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.4) is more acidic than Kidney Beans prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Franklin County is excellent for Kidney Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Franklin 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 — Franklin County, NC
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
224 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in Franklin County
Direct sow Kidney Beans outdoors after March 27 in Franklin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Franklin County's clay soil (28% 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 Franklin County, NC?
Franklin County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, NC?
Franklin County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.