When to Plant Black Beans in Eddy County, ND
This month in Eddy County, North Dakota
Welcome to May in Zone 4a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Plant black beans from seed, right in the garden
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
Eddy County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 864 feet, Eddy County receives approximately 29.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Black Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Eddy County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.4
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 Eddy County
How your county's soil matches Black Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.4) is within Black Beans's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Eddy County is excellent for Black Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Black Beans.
How to Plant Black Beans
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Black Beans
Black 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 | Black Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Eddy County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Black 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.
Black Beans Planting Timeline — Eddy County, ND
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 17 |
| Harvest | August 26 | Aug 26 – Oct 14 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Eddy County
Growing Tips for Black Beans in Eddy County
Direct sow Black Beans outdoors after May 13 in Eddy County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Black 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 last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Black Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Black Beans in Eddy County, ND?
Eddy County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Eddy County, ND?
Eddy County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your Eddy County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Eddy County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.