When to Plant Wax Beans in Barnstable County, MA
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.
Barnstable County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 518 feet, Barnstable County receives approximately 45.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Wax Beans during the growing season.
Barnstable County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.4
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 Barnstable County
How your county's soil matches Wax Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.4) is more acidic than Wax Beans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Barnstable County is excellent for Wax Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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 20 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Barnstable 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 — Barnstable County, MA
Wax Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Aug 15 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Barnstable County
Growing Tips for Wax Beans in Barnstable County
Direct sow Wax Beans outdoors after April 18 in Barnstable 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 Barnstable County, MA?
Barnstable County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Wax Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Barnstable County, MA?
Barnstable County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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