When to Plant Lima Beans in Muskingum County, OH
May in the garden — Muskingum County, Ohio
A quick May briefing for Muskingum County, Ohio gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Plant lima beans from seed, right in the garden
Your soil is 65°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
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.
Muskingum County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 1,048 feet, Muskingum County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season.
Muskingum County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.2
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 Muskingum County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.2) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Muskingum County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Lima Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 18 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 3.2" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.7" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Muskingum 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 — Muskingum County, OH
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Muskingum County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Muskingum County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after April 29 in Muskingum 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 Muskingum County, OH?
Muskingum 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 Muskingum County, OH?
Muskingum County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 16.
Your Muskingum County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Muskingum 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.