When to Plant Wax Beans in Summit County, UT
Wax beans are a yellow-podded variety of snap beans with a buttery, slightly sweeter flavor than green beans. They are easy to spot on the plant for picking.
Summit County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.
At an elevation of 8,145 feet, Summit County receives approximately 24.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Wax Beans during the growing season.
Summit County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.3
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 Summit County
How your county's soil matches Wax Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.3) is more alkaline than Wax Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Summit County is excellent for Wax Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Wax Beans.
How to Plant Wax Beans
Succession Planting Wax Beans
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 09 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Wax Beans
Wax 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 | Wax Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Summit County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Wax 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.
Wax Beans Planting Timeline — Summit County, UT
Wax Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 8 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – 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
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
94 days in Summit County
Growing Tips for Wax Beans in Summit County
Direct sow Wax Beans outdoors after June 10 in Summit County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Wax Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Summit County receives only 25" of rain annually. Wax Beans needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow after last frost. Pick pods regularly when young and tender. Bush types produce a concentrated harvest while pole types yield longer. Avoid working around wet plants.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Wax Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Wax Beans in Summit County, UT?
Summit County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 10. Plan your Wax Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summit County, UT?
Summit County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and first fall frost is September 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Summit County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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