When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Ashland County, WI
What to do in May
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
June prep starts now
- Transplants going out: scarlet runner beans
- Direct-sowing: scarlet runner beans
Scarlet runner beans are ornamental and edible climbing beans with vivid red flowers that attract hummingbirds. Both the young pods and mature beans are edible.
Ashland County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.
At an elevation of 705 feet, Ashland County receives approximately 30.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Scarlet Runner Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Ashland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
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 Ashland County
How your county's soil matches Scarlet Runner Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Scarlet Runner Beans's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ashland County is excellent for Scarlet Runner Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Scarlet Runner Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans
Succession Planting Scarlet Runner Beans
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 09 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Scarlet Runner Beans
Scarlet Runner 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 | Scarlet Runner Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Ashland County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Scarlet Runner 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.
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — Ashland County, WI
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 |
| Direct Sow | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 24 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Sep 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
130 days in Ashland County
Growing Tips for Scarlet Runner Beans in Ashland County
Direct sow Scarlet Runner Beans outdoors after May 20 in Ashland County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Scarlet Runner Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Provide tall trellising for vigorous vines. Direct sow after frost. Harvest pods young for snap beans or let mature for shelling beans. Tubers are perennial in mild climates.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Scarlet Runner Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Ashland County, WI?
Ashland County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ashland County, WI?
Ashland County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your Ashland County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ashland County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.