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When to Plant Black Beans in Green Lake County, WI

Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Green Lake County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.

At an elevation of 592 feet, Green Lake County receives approximately 32.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Black Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Green Lake County, WI (Zone 5a) Moderate season
170 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
170 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14
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Green Lake County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Black Beans

Black 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 Black Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Green Lake County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Green Lake County, WI

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 4 May 4 – May 25
Harvest August 3 Aug 3 – Sep 21

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Direct Sow
June
July
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

170 days in Green Lake County

Growing Tips for Green Lake County

Direct sow after last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black Beans in Green Lake County, WI?

Green Lake County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Green Lake County, WI?

Green Lake County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 14.

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Your Green Lake County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Green Lake County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Green Lake County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: May 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.