When to Plant Kidney Beans in Thurston County, WA
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Your Thurston County, Washington garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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.
Thurston County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 213 feet, Thurston County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season.
Thurston County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.6
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 Thurston County
How your county's soil matches Kidney Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.6) is more acidic than Kidney Beans prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Thurston County is excellent for Kidney Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Kidney Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Kidney Beans
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Thurston County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Kidney 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.
Kidney Beans Planting Timeline — Thurston County, WA
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Thurston County
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in Thurston County
Direct sow Kidney Beans outdoors after April 15 in Thurston County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Kidney Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kidney Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Kidney Beans in Thurston County, WA?
Thurston County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Thurston County, WA?
Thurston County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Thurston County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Thurston County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.