When to plant bush beans in zone 4a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 4A

Growing SeasonZone 4a

Last frost ~May 20First frost ~Sep 20Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MAYJUNJULAUG

Sow Jun 3 · First harvest Jul 23 · Wrap by Aug 13

Last spring frostMay 20

Direct sowJun 3

First harvestJul 23

Last harvestAug 13

First fall frostSep 20

Why these dates work in zone 4a

Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 20 and first fall frost Sep 20 — about 123 frost-free days. Bush Beans is frost-sensitive, so the 2w after frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost.

Common questions

How long does bush beans take to grow in zone 4a?

Bush Beans matures in about 50–65 days from sowing. In zone 4a that means sowing around Jun 3 and first picking around Jul 23.

Will bush beans survive frost in zone 4a?

No — bush beans is frost-sensitive. In zone 4a, wait until after the last frost (around May 20) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Sep 20).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full bush beans growing guide →