Planting Guides

When to Plant Green Beans in Milwaukee: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 5b

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Learn when to plant green beans in Milwaukee with specific dates for Zone 5b. Compare 6 varieties & discover which grow best in Wisconsin's climate.

PPatricia "Pat" O'Brien

October 30, 2025

Green bean plants growing in Milwaukee Zone 5b garden with succession planting rows — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Plant green beans in Milwaukee after May 15 when soil temperature reaches 60°F. Bush varieties mature in 50-60 days, allowing 2-3 successive plantings.

TL;DR

Plant green beans in Milwaukee after May 15 when soil reaches 60°F. Bush varieties like Provider (50-55 days) work best for succession planting every 2-3 weeks through July 15. Wisconsin's Zone 5b climate allows for 2-3 successive crops before October 1 frost.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the latest I can plant green beans in Milwaukee?

Plant your final green bean crop by July 15 in Milwaukee. Fast-maturing varieties like Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider' need 50-55 days to maturity, and Milwaukee's first frost typically arrives October 1. This gives you a safety buffer for cool fall weather that can slow plant growth.

Can I plant green beans before May 15 in Milwaukee?

While Milwaukee's average last frost is May 15, you can plant earlier with protection. Use row covers or cold frames to plant as early as May 1, but monitor soil temperature closely. Beans won't germinate well in soil below 60°F (15°C), regardless of air temperature.

Which green bean varieties work best for Milwaukee's short season?

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider' and Phaseolus vulgaris 'Roma II' are ideal for Milwaukee's 139-day growing season. These bush varieties mature in 50-60 days, allowing multiple succession plantings. For continuous harvest, try Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder' pole beans planted by May 25.

How often should I plant successive crops of green beans in Milwaukee?

Plant new bean crops every 2-3 weeks from May 20 through July 15. This provides continuous harvest from July through September. Bush varieties produce for 2-3 weeks, so regular succession planting ensures you never run out of fresh beans.

Do green beans grow well in Milwaukee's clay soil?

Green beans adapt to Milwaukee's clay soil with proper preparation. Add 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) of compost to improve drainage and soil structure. Plant seeds slightly shallower (1 inch/2.5 cm) in clay soil and cover with potting mix to prevent crusting after heavy spring rains common in Wisconsin.

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Written By

Patricia "Pat" O'Brien

Pat has been gardening in Milwaukee for over thirty years, through every kind of Wisconsin weather. She worked as a school librarian and started gardening seriously when her kids were small—she wanted them to know where food came from. Now retired, she's a certified Master Gardener and runs the plant sale at her local garden club every spring. She specializes in cold-hardy perennials, native wildflower meadows, and the art of getting a vegetable garden producing in Wisconsin's short but intense growing season. Pat is practical and patient—she's seen enough Wisconsin winters to know that gardening here is a long game, and she writes with the steady confidence of someone who's been doing this a long time.