When to Plant Green Beans in Yakima County, WA
May in Yakima County, Washington — your action list
Your garden in Yakima County, Washington is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Direct-sow green beans
Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination — a gentle morning watering for 5–7 days does the job.
Green beans are a warm-season staple available as bush or pole types. Bush beans produce a concentrated harvest while pole beans provide a longer picking season.
Yakima County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 3,150 feet, Yakima County receives approximately 18 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Green Beans during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Green Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Yakima County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.3
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 Yakima County
How your county's soil matches Green Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.3) is more acidic than Green Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Yakima County is excellent for Green Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Green Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Green Beans
Succession Planting Green Beans
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 30 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Green Beans
Green 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 | Green Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 1" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.6" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 0.3" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 0.3" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 0.6" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.4" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Yakima County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Green 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.
Green Beans Planting Timeline — Yakima County, WA
Green Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 13 | May 13 – Jun 3 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 |
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 | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
150 days in Yakima County
Growing Tips for Green Beans in Yakima County
Direct sow Green Beans outdoors after May 06 in Yakima County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Green Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Yakima County receives only 18" of rain annually. Green Beans needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow after last frost when soil is warm. Provide sturdy supports for pole varieties. Pick beans regularly when young and tender to encourage continued production.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Avoid harvesting during damp weather. Isolate 25 ft between varieties.
Green Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Green Beans in Yakima County, WA?
Yakima County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Green Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yakima County, WA?
Yakima County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 3.
Your Yakima County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Yakima 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.