When to Plant Black Beans in Willacy County, TX
What to do in May
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Start harvesting black beans
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- First harvests: black beans
Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
Willacy County, Texas is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 4 and the first fall frost is December 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.
At an elevation of 1,085 feet, Willacy County receives approximately 65.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102°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.
Willacy County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.3
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 Willacy County
How your county's soil matches Black Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.3) is within Black Beans's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Willacy County is excellent for Black Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Black Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Black Beans.
How to Plant Black Beans
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Willacy 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 Planting Timeline — Willacy County, TX
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Harvest | May 13 | May 13 – Jul 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
321 days in Willacy County
Growing Tips for Black Beans in Willacy County
Direct sow Black Beans outdoors after February 04 in Willacy County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Willacy County, provide afternoon shade for Black Beans and water deeply in the morning.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Black Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Black Beans in Willacy County, TX?
Willacy County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of February 4. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Willacy County, TX?
Willacy County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 4 and first fall frost is December 22.
Your Willacy County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Willacy County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.