When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Manitowoc County, WI
May in the garden — Manitowoc County, Wisconsin
A quick May briefing for Manitowoc County, Wisconsin gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Set out scarlet runner beans seedlings
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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Plant scarlet runner beans from seed, right in the garden
Keep the top inch of soil moist until germination — a gentle morning watering for 5–7 days does the job.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Starting indoors: 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.
Manitowoc County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.
At an elevation of 661 feet, Manitowoc County receives approximately 39.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Scarlet Runner Beans during the growing season.
Manitowoc County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.3
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 Manitowoc County
How your county's soil matches Scarlet Runner Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.3) overlaps with Scarlet Runner Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Manitowoc County is excellent for Scarlet Runner Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — 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 24 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Manitowoc 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 — Manitowoc County, WI
Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Aug 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
165 days in Manitowoc County
Growing Tips for Scarlet Runner Beans in Manitowoc County
Direct sow Scarlet Runner Beans outdoors after April 30 in Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc County, WI?
Manitowoc County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Manitowoc County, WI?
Manitowoc County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 12.
Your Manitowoc County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Manitowoc County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.