When to Plant Lima Beans in Guadalupe County, TX
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.
Guadalupe County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 259 days.
At an elevation of 3,679 feet, Guadalupe County receives approximately 63 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lima Beans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lima Beans root diseases.
Guadalupe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.9-8.2
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 Guadalupe County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.9–8.2) is more alkaline than Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Your clay soil in Guadalupe County is workable for Lima Beans. Add compost annually to improve structure.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 23 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Guadalupe 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 — Guadalupe County, TX
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Harvest | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
259 days in Guadalupe County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Guadalupe County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after March 07 in Guadalupe County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Guadalupe County's clay soil (40% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Lima Beans. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Guadalupe County, TX?
Guadalupe County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Guadalupe County, TX?
Guadalupe County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Guadalupe County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.