When to Plant Lima Beans in Douglas County, OR
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.
Douglas County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 377 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 52.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lima Beans root diseases.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.4
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 Douglas County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.4) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Douglas County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.4%) — Lima Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 07 to harvest before frost.
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 | — | 8.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 6.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 0.8" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 1" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 2.2" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 7.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Douglas 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 — Douglas County, OR
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Harvest | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jul 25 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
215 days in Douglas County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Douglas County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after April 04 in Douglas 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 Douglas County, OR?
Douglas County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, OR?
Douglas County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is November 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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