When to Plant Lima Beans in Rusk 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.
Rusk County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.
At an elevation of 252 feet, Rusk County receives approximately 66.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season. 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.
Rusk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Lima Beans
Lima 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 | Lima Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 11.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 11.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Rusk County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Rusk County, TX
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Harvest | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 29 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
253 days in Rusk County
Growing Tips for Rusk County
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 Rusk County, TX?
Rusk County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rusk County, TX?
Rusk County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 17.
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