When to Plant Beans (Green/Snap) in New Jersey
Easy, productive, and they even improve your soil by fixing nitrogen. A perfect crop for beginners.
The Short Answer
New Jersey Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of New Jersey you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern New Jersey | 6a, 6b | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 5 - Oct 20 |
| Central New Jersey | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
| Southern New Jersey | 7a, 7b | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
Beans (Green/Snap) Planting Schedule for New Jersey
Northern New Jersey (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 20
Central New Jersey (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Southern New Jersey (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Growing Beans (Green/Snap) in New Jersey
Beans (Green/Snap) in New Jersey's Climate
Your climate is classic bean country. Direct sow from mid-May when soil warms to 60°F. Succession plant bush beans every 2 weeks through mid-July for continuous harvest. Your warm, humid summers are ideal for bean production — just watch for Mexican bean beetle and Japanese beetle, which are common in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest.
Soil Considerations for New Jersey
Sandy soils in Pine Barrens. Clay in north. Acidic in south. Rich loam in central agricultural areas. The Garden State for good reason. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting beans (green/snap) outside.
New Jersey Climate & Growing Season
Moderate climate with maritime influence. Good growing season. Four seasons. Excellent for a wide range of crops. Beans (Green/Snap) cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.
Growing season length varies across New Jersey: Northern New Jersey (6a, 6b) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern New Jersey (7a, 7b) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. This difference matters for beans (green/snap) — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.
Growing Tips
Direct sow only — beans don't transplant well. Inoculate seeds with rhizobium for better nitrogen fixation.
Companion Planting
Plant beans (green/snap) alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep beans (green/snap) away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026