Beans growing guide: tips for a thriving harvest

Beans are common in many gardens because they are relatively easy to grow. People also hold great affection for beans since, apart from their nutritional qualities, there is joy in the process of their cultivation. Whether you are a green thumb with years of experience or just an amateur, growing beans would definitely be a rewarding experience for you.

When to plant beans

Beans grow well when the temperature of the soil is higher than 60°F (15°C). In most cases, beans should be sown between late spring and early summer, a period considered safe from frost. The best soil temperature for the germination of beans ranges between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C).

Germination time

Beans usually germinate pretty fast, typically in 7 to 10 days. For good germination, it is important to plant beans about 1 inch (2 cm) deep in well-drained soil. Do not allow the soil to be water-logged, but ensure it is kept moist, because beans do not like to stand in very wet places.

From sowing to harvesting

Time from sowing to harvesting beans may vary, depending upon the variety. As a rule of thumb, bush beans become ready for harvest in 50 to 60 days and pole beans in 60 to 75 days. Take a look at your plants periodically, as beans do have a tendency to ripen very quickly once they start to bear.

How to grow beans

Soil preparation

Beans grow best in a rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Incorporate compost or aged manure for improved fertility and drainage before planting. Beans require very minimal amounts of nitrogen because they are capable of fixing their own nitrogen from the atmosphere.

Planting

If we speak about bush beans, put seeds in the rows 18 to 24 inches (45 – 60 cm) apart and with 2 to 4 inches (5 – 10 cm) between seeds. Pole beans require more space for climbing; hence, space plants 4 to 6 inches (10 – 15 cm) apart in rows 3 feet (90 cm) apart. Just remember that pole beans need poles or another type of support in order to grow healthfully.

Watering

Beans do well in consistently moist soil, particularly during the flowering stage and while developing the pods. Water your bean plants on a regular basis – try to provide them with 1 inch (2 cm) of water every week. This is to be done right at the base, without hitting the foliage, in most cases leading to the problem of fungal diseases.

Mulching

Mulch placed around your bean plants serves to hold moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and keep soil temperatures moderate. Use organic mulches – straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves are good.

How and when to harvest beans

Beans should be harvested at the right time if the best flavor and texture are to be achieved. The beans should be firm, crisp, and about the diameter of a pencil. For this reason, bush beans will generally need to be harvested every couple of days after they begin producing. Pole beans can be picked over a larger window of time.

Care must be taken in picking beans not to break off parts of the plant. Grasp the stem with one hand and carefully pull the bean with the other. The more frequent the harvesting, the more beans are encouraged by the plant.

Important considerations for planting beans

Pests and diseases

Beans can be infested with pests and diseases that include, for instance, aphids, bean beetles, and fungal infection. Other preventive mechanisms in use are crop rotation – avoid development of soil-borne diseases – and organic pest control such as neem oil or insecticidal soap for insects.

What beans like

Beans do well under warm and sunny exposure with the necessary good drainage. They also prefer added organic matter in the soil, hence the preference for frequent watering. Continuous additions of nutrients, best achieved by incorporation of compost at the planting location, are appreciated by beans.

What beans don't like

Beans do not take frosts and should have a planting area of warmth; they cannot be grown in cold places. They should also not be over-watered, since beans resent waterlogged conditions that would lead to root rot. In addition, beans tend to be quite sensitive to high nitrogen, so avoid large amounts of high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Types of beans

Bush beans

Bush beans are self-supporting and do not need staking. Common types include:

• Blue lake: astringency present in their tender.

• Provider: early maturing with very good yields.

• Maverick: cold tolerance, allowing early planting.

Pole beans

Pole beans are runner types requiring trellis. Some common varieties are:

• Kentucky wonder: this is an extremely productive and high-flavored bean.

• Scarlet runner: pretty flowers, beans are tasty.

• Purple podded pole: rare purple pods that change to green when cooked.

Shell beans

Shell beans are grown for the seed, not the pod. Some of the commonly grown shell bean varieties are listed below:

• Black turtle: in soups and stews.

• Cannellini: Italian origin, very nice for salads and soups.

• Cranberry bean: beautifully speckled beans with a nutty flavor.

Companion planting for beans

Companion planting is the planting of two or more plant species in close association so that there is a mutual benefit derived from the association. These benefits can range from pest control to pollination, from habitat provision for beneficial insects to maximal use of space and enhanced productivity of crops. Here are some of the best companion plants for beans:

Natural symbionts for beans

• Carrots: help to open up soil by penetrating at depths beneficial for bean roots.

• Cucumbers: beans are nitrogen fixers and so the cucumbers.

• Cabbage family: beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which is a benefit to this group of heavy feeders.

• Corn: corn makes a perfect natural trellis for pole beans, whereby pole beans will grow to climb the corn.

• Marigolds: they repel harmful insects, such as beetles.

• Nasturtiums: they tend to draw aphids away from beans.

• Radishes: they help to prevent cucumber beetles.

• Strawberries: benefit from the nitrogen fixed by beans.

• Summer savory: enhances the flavor of beans and also contributes to bean repellency.

• Spinach: beans create a shade for spinach, which can get too hot and bolt because of the sun.

• Rosemary and sage: they are efficient against bean beetles and others.

Plants you should not plant near beans:

Some plants aren't compatible with beans; they either stunt bean growth or attract enemies to the beans. Here's a shortlist:

• Alliums (Onions, Garlic, Shallots, Leeks): these inhibit bean growth as their secretions in the soil suppress root development.

• Fennel: produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of many other plants, including beans.

• Beets: both beans and beets compete for nutrients and cause reduced growth and productivity in both.

• Kohlrabi: competes for nutrients with beans and may severely affect the growth of beans.

• Sunflowers: they secrete substances preventing the growth of adjacent plants, e.g., beans.

Companion planting makes it easy for you to guarantee the health and productivity of your bean plants, all for enhancing the overall yield of the garden. You will be able to maintain the productive health of your soil, reduce pest problems, and generally increase the yield from your garden by beans using beneficial companion plants such as carrots, cucumbers, corn, alliums, and fennel in your cultivation practices.

Growing beans can be truly fulfilling and productive. If you are seeking to grow beans, these tips will help take you toward a successful bean harvest. Do not forget to be attentive to the specific needs that the varieties you chose will need and enjoy cultivating these wonderful plants through all the stages, from seed to table.

Have fun gardening!