When to Plant Yard Long Beans in Boise County, ID
Yard long beans are a tropical legume that produces slender pods up to 24 inches long. They are a staple in Southeast Asian cooking and thrive in hot weather.
Boise County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 8,023 feet, Boise County receives approximately 24.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Yard Long Beans during the growing season.
Boise County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.7
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 Boise County
How your county's soil matches Yard Long Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.7) overlaps with Yard Long Beans's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Boise County is excellent for Yard Long Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Yard Long Beans.
How to Plant Yard Long Beans
Succession Planting Yard Long Beans
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 09 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Yard Long Beans
Yard Long 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 | Yard Long Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Boise County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Yard Long 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.
Yard Long Beans Planting Timeline — Boise County, ID
Yard Long Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 |
| Direct Sow | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 15 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
55–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
132 days in Boise County
Growing Tips for Yard Long Beans in Boise County
Direct sow Yard Long Beans outdoors after May 18 in Boise County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Yard Long Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Boise County receives only 24" of rain annually. Yard Long Beans needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow after soil is warm. Provide tall poles or trellising as vines can reach 8-10 feet. Harvest when pods are pencil-thick before seeds bulge. Cook quickly for best texture.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Yard Long Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Yard Long Beans in Boise County, ID?
Boise County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Yard Long Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Boise County, ID?
Boise County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Boise 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.