When to Plant Kidney Beans in Summers County, WV
Summers County, West Virginia gardeners: here's your May plan
Welcome to May in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Put kidney beans seeds straight in the ground
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
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.
Summers County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 2,610 feet, Summers County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Kidney Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Kidney Beans root diseases.
Summers County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 Summers County
How your county's soil matches Kidney Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Kidney Beans's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Summers County is excellent for Kidney Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Kidney Beans.
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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Summers 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 — Summers County, WV
Kidney Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Sep 15 |
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 | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
85–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Summers County
Growing Tips for Kidney Beans in Summers County
Direct sow Kidney Beans outdoors after May 05 in Summers 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 Summers County, WV?
Summers County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Kidney Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summers County, WV?
Summers County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 14.
Your Summers County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Summers 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.