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When to Plant Wax Beans in Lowndes County, AL

Wax beans are a yellow-podded variety of snap beans with a buttery, slightly sweeter flavor than green beans. They are easy to spot on the plant for picking.

Lowndes County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.

At an elevation of 392 feet, Lowndes County receives approximately 57.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Wax Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Wax Beans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Wax Beans root diseases.

Lowndes County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
243 days
Last Spring Frost March 15
243 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Lowndes County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (129 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: May 2 – Jun 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (131 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 10 – Jul 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (122 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Jul 28

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 10 gal / 100 sq ft
Wax Beans needs ~1,222 GDD — county provides 5,163 GDD Excellent fit

Wax Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Lowndes County, AL

Wax Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 22 Mar 22 โ€“ Apr 12
Harvest May 17 May 17 โ€“ Jul 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

50โ€“65 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

243 days

Growing Tips for Lowndes County

Direct sow after last frost. Pick pods regularly when young and tender. Bush types produce a concentrated harvest while pole types yield longer. Avoid working around wet plants.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Wax Beans in Lowndes County, AL?

Lowndes County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Wax Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lowndes County, AL?

Lowndes County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lowndes County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Lowndes County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.