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When to Plant Black Beans in Kendall County, TX

Kendall County, Texas Zone 8b July

What to do in July

Your Kendall County, Texas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost March 9
Avg. first frost November 20
Soil temp (4") 85°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs

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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.

Kendall County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 2,187 feet, Kendall County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Black Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Black Beans root diseases.

Kendall County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Kendall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Black Beans Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 28 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jul 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 8 – Jul 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Aug 25

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 Kendall County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.4–7.4) is within Black Beans's preferred range (6.0–7.5).

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Kendall County is excellent for Black Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Black Beans.

How to Plant Black Beans

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

Black Beans Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 237 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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kendall 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 ~2,231 GDD — county provides 5,440 GDD Excellent fit

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Kendall County, TX

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 – Apr 6
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Aug 3

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 Harvest
September
October
November
December

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: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

256 days in Kendall County

Growing Tips for Black Beans in Kendall County

Direct sow Black Beans outdoors after March 09 in Kendall County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

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 Kendall County, TX?

Kendall County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kendall County, TX?

Kendall County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 20.

🌱

Your Kendall County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kendall 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 Kendall County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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