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When to Plant Black Beans in Burnet County, TX

Burnet County, Texas Zone 8b May

This month in Burnet County, Texas

May is a pivotal month for Burnet County, Texas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost March 6
Avg. first frost November 20
Soil temp (4") 73°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.6 hrs
Get ahead of June
  • First harvests: black beans

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Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Burnet County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 259 days.

At an elevation of 1,090 feet, Burnet County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Black Beans during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Black Beans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Black Beans root diseases.

Burnet County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
259 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
259 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20
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Burnet County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.8-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 27 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Jul 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (119 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Jul 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (104 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Aug 28

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 Burnet County

How your county's soil matches Black Beans's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) overlaps with Black Beans's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

Your clay soil in Burnet County is workable for Black Beans. Add compost annually to improve structure.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Black Beans.

How to Plant Black Beans

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 40 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Black Beans

Black 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 Black Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 9.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 10.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Burnet County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Black 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.

Black Beans needs ~2,074 GDD — county provides 5,115 GDD Excellent fit

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Burnet County, TX

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 – Apr 3
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Jul 31

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
November
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

259 days in Burnet County

Growing Tips for Black Beans in Burnet County

Direct sow Black Beans outdoors after March 06 in Burnet County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Burnet County's clay soil (38% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Black Beans. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Common pests for Black 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 last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black Beans in Burnet County, TX?

Burnet County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Burnet County, TX?

Burnet County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 20.

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Your Burnet County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Burnet 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Burnet County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: May 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.