Blog

When to Plant Lima Beans in Augusta County, VA

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.

Augusta County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 889 feet, Augusta County receives approximately 51.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lima Beans root diseases.

Augusta County, VA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Augusta County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-7.1

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 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Augusta County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lima Beans Planting Timeline — Augusta County, VA

Lima Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 27 Apr 27 – May 18
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 – Aug 10

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Augusta County

Growing Tips for Augusta 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lima Beans in Augusta County, VA?

Augusta County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Augusta County, VA?

Augusta County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 22.

🌱

Your Augusta County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Augusta County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Augusta County, VA. 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.