When to Plant Lima Beans in Johnson 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.
Johnson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.
At an elevation of 2,525 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 62.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Johnson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
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 Johnson County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.0–7.8) is more alkaline than Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (42% clay) in Johnson County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). 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 14 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.9" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 11.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 3.6" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 2.1" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Johnson 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 — Johnson County, TX
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jul 8 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
239 days in Johnson County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Johnson County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after March 18 in Johnson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Johnson County's clay soil (42% 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
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Lima Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lima Beans in Johnson County, TX?
Johnson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnson County, TX?
Johnson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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