When to Plant Kidney Beans in Haakon County, SD
Top priorities for Haakon County, South Dakota gardeners in May
Your Haakon County, South Dakota garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Seed kidney beans outdoors
Succession planting is the secret here. Put in a row now, another in 2 weeks, a third in 4.
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.
Haakon County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 1,097 feet, Haakon County receives approximately 22.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Kidney Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Haakon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
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 Haakon County
How your county's soil matches Kidney Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.5) is within Kidney Beans's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Haakon County is excellent for Kidney Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Kidney Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Kidney Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Kidney Beans
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Haakon 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 — Haakon County, SD
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 18 |
| Harvest | August 27 | Aug 27 – Oct 1 |
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 · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Haakon County
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in Haakon County
Direct sow Kidney Beans outdoors after May 14 in Haakon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kidney Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Haakon County receives only 22" of rain annually. Kidney Beans needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Haakon County, SD?
Haakon County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Haakon County, SD?
Haakon County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 28.
Your Haakon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Haakon County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.