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When to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Lincoln County, WY

Lincoln County, Wyoming Zone 5b May

This month in Lincoln County, Wyoming

May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Lincoln County, Wyoming.

Avg. last frost June 7
Avg. first frost September 13
Soil temp (4") 34°F
Watering High
Pest pressure Low
Daylight 14.4 hrs
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
  • Transplants going out: scarlet runner beans
  • Direct-sowing: scarlet runner beans

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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.

Lincoln County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and the first fall frost is September 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 98 days.

At an elevation of 6,850 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 17.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Scarlet Runner Beans to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Scarlet Runner Beans successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Lincoln County, WY (Zone 5b) Very short season
98 days
Last Spring Frost June 7
98 growing days
First Fall Frost September 13
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Lincoln County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: Jun 5 🍅 Harvest: Aug 7 – Sep 11
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 12 Transplant: Jun 21 🍅 Harvest: Aug 23 – Sep 27
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 26 Transplant: Jul 5 🍅 Harvest: Sep 6 – Oct 11

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 Lincoln County

How your county's soil matches Scarlet Runner Beans's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7–8.3) is more alkaline than Scarlet Runner Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Lincoln County is excellent for Scarlet Runner Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Scarlet Runner Beans.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Scarlet Runner Beans.

How to Plant Scarlet Runner Beans

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.7″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 571 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Lincoln 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 needs ~910 GDD — county provides 1,274 GDD Excellent fit

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, WY

Scarlet Runner Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 12 Apr 12 – Apr 26
Transplant Outdoors June 21 Jun 21 – Jul 5
Direct Sow June 14 Jun 14 – Jul 5
Harvest August 23 Aug 23 – Sep 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

98 days in Lincoln County

Growing Tips for Scarlet Runner Beans in Lincoln County

Direct sow Scarlet Runner Beans outdoors after June 07 in Lincoln 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.

Lincoln County receives only 18" of rain annually. Scarlet Runner Beans needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Scarlet Runner Beans in Lincoln County, WY?

Lincoln County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 7. Plan your Scarlet Runner Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lincoln County, WY?

Lincoln County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and first fall frost is September 13.

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Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln 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.

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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 Lincoln County, WY. 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.