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When to Plant Kidney Beans in Patrick County, VA

Kidney beans are a popular dry bean variety named for their shape, available in red and white types. They are the classic bean for chili and red beans and rice.

Patrick County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.

At an elevation of 869 feet, Patrick County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season.

Patrick County, VA (Zone 7b) Moderate season
181 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
181 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Patrick County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Kidney Beans

Kidney 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 Kidney Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Patrick County, VA

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 – May 21
Harvest July 30 Jul 30 – Sep 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

85–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

181 days in Patrick County

Growing Tips for Patrick County

Direct sow after frost. Allow pods to dry completely on the plant. Kidney beans must be thoroughly cooked as raw or undercooked beans contain harmful lectins.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kidney Beans in Patrick County, VA?

Patrick County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Patrick County, VA?

Patrick County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 21.

🌱

Your Patrick County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Patrick County (Zone 7b). 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 Patrick County, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.