When to Plant Green Beans in Cameron County, TX
May in Cameron County, Texas — your action list
Your garden in Cameron County, Texas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
It's harvest week for green beans
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: green beans
Green beans are a warm-season staple available as bush or pole types. Bush beans produce a concentrated harvest while pole beans provide a longer picking season.
Cameron County, Texas is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 4 and the first fall frost is December 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.
At an elevation of 4,025 feet, Cameron County receives approximately 58.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Green Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Green Beans root diseases.
Cameron County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Cameron County
How your county's soil matches Green Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Green Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Cameron County is excellent for Green Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Green Beans.
How to Plant Green Beans
Succession Planting Green Beans
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 18 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Green Beans
Green 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 | Green Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 2.2" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.8" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 1.4" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Cameron County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Green 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.
Green Beans Planting Timeline — Cameron County, TX
Green Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Harvest | April 8 | Apr 8 – Jun 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
321 days in Cameron County
Growing Tips for Green Beans in Cameron County
Direct sow Green Beans outdoors after February 04 in Cameron County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Cameron County, provide afternoon shade for Green Beans and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Green 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 when soil is warm. Provide sturdy supports for pole varieties. Pick beans regularly when young and tender to encourage continued production.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Avoid harvesting during damp weather. Isolate 25 ft between varieties.
Green Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Green Beans in Cameron County, TX?
Cameron County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of February 4. Plan your Green Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cameron County, TX?
Cameron County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 4 and first fall frost is December 22.
Your Cameron County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Cameron County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.