When to Plant Wax Beans in Graham County, KS
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.
Graham County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 891 feet, Graham County receives approximately 31.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Wax Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Graham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.7
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 Graham County
How your county's soil matches Wax Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.7) overlaps with Wax Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Graham County is excellent for Wax Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Wax Beans.
How to Plant Wax Beans
Succession Planting Wax Beans
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 12 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Wax Beans
Wax 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 | Wax Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Graham County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Wax 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.
Wax Beans Planting Timeline — Graham County, KS
Wax Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
176 days in Graham County
Growing Tips for Wax Beans in Graham County
Direct sow Wax Beans outdoors after April 23 in Graham County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Wax Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Wax Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Wax Beans in Graham County, KS?
Graham County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Wax Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Graham County, KS?
Graham County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Graham County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.