When to Plant Lima Beans in Asotin County, WA
What to do in May
Here's what deserves your attention in Asotin County, Washington this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Outdoor sowing time: lima beans
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
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.
Asotin County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 2,029 feet, Asotin County receives approximately 14 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lima Beans during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lima Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Asotin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.5
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 Asotin County
How your county's soil matches Lima Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.5) overlaps with Lima Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Asotin County is excellent for Lima Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Lima Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Lima Beans
Succession Planting Lima Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 02 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 0.8" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.6" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 0.2" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 0.3" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 0.5" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Asotin 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 — Asotin County, WA
Lima Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 6 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Aug 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
144 days in Asotin County
Growing Tips for Lima Beans in Asotin County
Direct sow Lima Beans outdoors after May 09 in Asotin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lima Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Asotin 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 Asotin County, WA?
Asotin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Lima Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Asotin County, WA?
Asotin County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is September 30.
Your Asotin County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Asotin 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.