When to Plant Kidney Beans in Georgetown County, SC
This month in Georgetown County, South Carolina
Each item below is timed to Georgetown County, South Carolina's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: kidney beans
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.
Georgetown County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 241 days.
At an elevation of 102 feet, Georgetown County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Kidney Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kidney Beans root diseases.
Georgetown County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.2
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 Georgetown County
How your county's soil matches Kidney Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.2) is more acidic than Kidney Beans prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Georgetown County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Kidney Beans will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Kidney Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). 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 | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Georgetown 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 — Georgetown County, SC
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Jul 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
241 days in Georgetown County
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in Georgetown County
Direct sow Kidney Beans outdoors after March 19 in Georgetown County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Georgetown County dries quickly — mulch Kidney Beans with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Georgetown County, SC?
Georgetown County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Georgetown County, SC?
Georgetown County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Georgetown County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Georgetown County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.