When to Plant Kidney Beans in Wahkiakum County, WA
Your May game plan for Wahkiakum County, Washington
Your garden in Wahkiakum County, Washington is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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.
Wahkiakum County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
At an elevation of 180 feet, Wahkiakum County receives approximately 35.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season.
Wahkiakum County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.3
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 Wahkiakum County
How your county's soil matches Kidney Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.3) is more acidic than Kidney Beans prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wahkiakum 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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Wahkiakum 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 — Wahkiakum County, WA
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Aug 24 |
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
205 days in Wahkiakum County
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in Wahkiakum County
Direct sow Kidney Beans outdoors after April 13 in Wahkiakum 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 Wahkiakum County, WA?
Wahkiakum County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wahkiakum County, WA?
Wahkiakum County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is November 4.
Your Wahkiakum County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wahkiakum 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.