When to Plant Lima Beans in Kitchener-Waterloo, ON
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.
Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 1,095 feet, Kitchener-Waterloo receives approximately 45.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lima Beans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Kitchener-Waterloo Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
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.
How to Plant Lima Beans
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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.5" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Kitchener-Waterloo). 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 — Kitchener-Waterloo, ON
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Kitchener-Waterloo
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Kitchener-Waterloo
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 Kitchener-Waterloo, ON?
Kitchener-Waterloo is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kitchener-Waterloo, ON?
Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 27.
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