When to Plant Lima Beans in Harrison 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.
Harrison County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.
At an elevation of 168 feet, Harrison County receives approximately 63.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Lima Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lima Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lima Beans root diseases.
Harrison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
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 Harrison County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.8) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Harrison County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lima Beans will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lima Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 16 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 11" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.3" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Harrison 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 — Harrison County, TX
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 3 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
246 days in Harrison County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Harrison County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after March 13 in Harrison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Harrison County dries quickly — mulch Lima Beans with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Harrison County, provide afternoon shade for Lima Beans and water deeply in the morning.
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
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Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Harrison County, TX?
Harrison County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Harrison County, TX?
Harrison County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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