When to Plant Lima Beans in Morgan County, UT
Your May planting checklist for Morgan County, Utah
May is a pivotal month for Morgan County, Utah gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Looking ahead to June
- Direct-sowing: lima beans
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.
Morgan County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 17 and the first fall frost is August 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 75 days.
At an elevation of 6,439 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 14.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lima Beans to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lima Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Morgan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-8.1
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 Morgan County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–8.1) is more alkaline than Lima Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Morgan County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lima Beans.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Lima Beans.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.9" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1.5" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 1.4" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Aug in Morgan 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 — Morgan County, UT
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 15 |
| Harvest | August 26 | Aug 26 – Oct 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Direct Sow |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
75 days in Morgan County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Morgan County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after June 17 in Morgan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 75.0-day growing season in Morgan County is tight for Lima Beans (60.0-90.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Lima Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Morgan County receives only 14" of rain annually. Lima Beans needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
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 Morgan County, UT?
Morgan County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of June 17. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morgan County, UT?
Morgan County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 17 and first fall frost is August 31.
Your Morgan County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Morgan County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.