Growing beans is one of my favorite vegetables to grow in my summer garden. Once they start producing, we enjoy them with dinner most nights and have more than enough to freeze and can for the winter months.
There are many reasons why you will want to add beans to your gardening endeavors.
First, it’s one of the easiest vegetables to grow.
It requires very little maintenance and it’s relatively easy to start from seed.
Second, beans produce a bountiful harvest. One planted seed can produce pounds of beans to be enjoyed over the course of the season.
Read on to learn how to grow beans in your garden and enjoy a bountiful harvest this growing season.
Types of Beans to Grow
When planting beans, there are two varieties to consider. Pole beans grow vertically requiring very little space when growing. They will need a support system to help them grow in an upward direction, hence the name “pole bean”.
This variety takes a bit longer to produce than the bush bean variety; however, it will produce all season long. Another aspect to consider before planting is flavor. Many gardeners prefer growing the pole bean variety due to the rich, complex flavor they offer.
In my experience, there is a very subtle difference here and not a deciding factor come planting time.
Bush beans are the second variety to consider. True to their name, bush beans grow low to the ground in a “bush like” formation.
Because they grow low to the ground, they do not require the support pole bean varieties need. Bush beans will produce their bounty all at once, which will often lead to a smaller yield than the pole bean variety.
Many gardeners will plant these in succession to ensure a harvest all season long.
Whichever variety you choose, there are many different flavors and textures to choose from and both varieties offer an assortment of types to plant.
Some Favorite Variety of Beans to Grow
here are some recommended varieties of beans for beginners:
Blue Lake Bush Beans: A classic variety of green bean that is easy to grow, produces high yields, and has a delicious flavor. It is a bush type that does not require support and matures in about 55 days.
Kentucky Wonder Pole Beans: A popular variety of pole bean that is easy to grow and produces large yields. It has a slightly sweet flavor and matures in about 65 days. It requires a trellis or other support structure to climb.
Provider Bush Beans: A reliable and productive variety of bush bean that is resistant to common bean diseases. It produces a heavy crop of beans in about 50 days and has a delicious, tender texture.
Roma II Bush Beans: A versatile variety of bush bean that can be used fresh or canned. It has a meaty texture and mild flavor, and produces a heavy crop in about 55 days.
Scarlet Runner Pole Beans: A beautiful and flavorful variety of pole bean that produces vibrant red flowers and tasty, tender beans. It matures in about 80 days and requires a trellis or other support structure to climb.
How to Plant Beans
Seed selection is an important factor when growing your own vegetables. Ideally, you want to select organic non-GMO seeds to start with. Beans are a fast-growing, warm-season crop.
The seeds germinate quickly and it is not necessary to start them indoors. Simply sow seeds after the danger of frost has passed, and seeds will germinate in 7-10 days.
Alternatively, you may decide to winter sow your seeds. I have used this method in the past and recommend it to anyone starting a garden from seed. If direct sowing bean seeds, you will want to wait until the soil temperature warms up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
A soil thermometer is a handy tool to have when direct sowing. Using a tool such as a planting calendar for your zone can be used to give you an ideal planting date for your zone.
When planting the bush bean variety, you will want to sow beans 3-4 inches apart in rows that are at least 18 inches apart. This will not only give plants the room they will need to grow but provide ample room for harvesting.
Pole beans will need to be planted along a trellis. This can easily be created with garden stakes and trellis netting. Be sure to drive the stakes deep enough to support the weight of the plants.
Plant pole beans about 1 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart at the base of the trellis. Space the rows about 3 feet apart to allow the plants to climb up the trellis.
How to Plant Beans in Containers
Beans are surprisingly easy vegetables to grow in containers.
When planting beans in containers, select the proper sized container for their growth. Beans require at least 12 inches of depth to develop a robust root system.
I really like planting my container vegetable garden in fabric pots. They come in many different sizes and the material is durable. It’s easy to move the pots around if needed and they are easy to store when not in use.
They are made of a breathable material that holds moisture quite well.
Choose quality organic soil such as Foxfarms potting soil. If planting a bush bean variety, be sure to plant seeds 2-3 inches apart. This will allow each plant the room it needs to grow.
Pole beans can be planted around the perimeter of the container. Be sure to use a trellis or bean tower to train the plant upward. Whichever variety you choose, be sure to monitor moisture levels daily.
Containers tend to dry out quickly and will need to be watered often.
Common Bean Plant Pests and Diseases
Like most vegetables, beans are susceptible to common pests and diseases. Your plants will need to be monitored regularly.
The best plan of attack when dealing with pests and diseases is prevention. Make sure to use common sense gardening methods such as using good quality soil, crop rotation, employing companion planting methods, and planting pest-resistant varieties.
Some of the most common diseases of beans are:
Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods of the bean plant. It can also cause premature leaf drop and reduced yields.
Bean rust: A fungal disease that appears as yellow-orange or reddish-brown spots on the leaves of the bean plant. It can cause defoliation and reduced yields.
Bacterial blight: A bacterial disease that causes water-soaked spots on the leaves and pods of the bean plant. It can also cause wilting and reduced yields.
Bean mosaic virus: A viral disease that causes mottled yellow or green leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields. It can also cause distorted or deformed pods.
Root rot: A fungal disease that causes the roots of the bean plant to rot, leading to wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth.
White mold: A fungal disease that causes a white, fluffy growth on the stems and leaves of the bean plant. It can also cause brown spots on the pods and reduced yields.
Fusarium wilt: A fungal disease that causes wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth of the bean plant. It can also cause brown discoloration of the stems and roots.
Common Pests of Bean Plants
Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the bean plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
Bean beetles: Small, brownish-black beetles that feed on the leaves and pods of the bean plant. They can cause defoliation and reduced yields.
Spider mites: Tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing stippling, yellowing, and eventually, leaf drop.
Cutworms: Caterpillar-like larvae that cut through the stems of young bean plants, causing wilting and death.
Slugs and snails: Soft-bodied, slow-moving pests that feed on the leaves and stems of the bean plant, causing holes and damage.
Thrips: Small, slender insects that feed on the leaves and pods of the bean plant, causing stippling, curling, and distortion.
Whiteflies: Tiny, white insects that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and leaf drop.
Companion Planting
Companion planting is the practice of planting compatible plants with one another to help battle pests. Beans can benefit greatly by planting certain vegetables with them. The best vegetables to plant with beans are:
Corn: Beans and corn are classic companion plants, as they have a mutually beneficial relationship. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the corn, while the corn provides support for the bean vines to climb.
Cucumbers: Cucumbers and beans are also good companion plants, as the cucumbers provide shade for the beans, while the beans fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the cucumbers.
Carrots: Carrots and beans are complementary plants, as the beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the carrots, while the carrots help break up the soil for the bean roots to grow.
Radishes: Radishes and beans are also good companion plants, as the radishes help break up the soil and improve drainage, while the beans provide shade for the radishes.
Marigolds: Marigolds are often used as companion plants for beans, as they repel pests like aphids and bean beetles, while also attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are also good companion plants for beans, as they repel pests like aphids and whiteflies, while also attracting beneficial insects.
Summer savory: Summer savory is a herb that is often planted with beans, as it repels bean beetles and improves the flavor of the beans.
When to Harvest Beans
Beans are ready to harvest when the pods are fully formed, plump, and crisp. You should harvest beans regularly to encourage the plants to produce more pods.
For bush beans, this means harvesting every 2-3 days, while for pole beans, you may need to harvest every day. You should also check the plants regularly for overripe or dried out pods, as these can attract pests or diseases.
Techniques for harvesting and storing beans:
To harvest beans, gently pull the pods from the plant, being careful not to damage the plant or the neighboring pods.
You can also use pruning shears or scissors to snip the pods off the plant.
Once you have harvested your beans, you should store them in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or root cellar. You can store fresh beans in the refrigerator for up to a week, but they are best when eaten as soon as possible.
How to Store Beans
If you have a large harvest of beans, you may want to preserve them for later use. Here are some recommended methods for preserving beans:
Freezing: Beans can be blanched and frozen for long-term storage. To do this, blanch the beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and dry the beans, then pack them into freezer bags or containers and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Canning: Beans can also be canned for long-term storage. To can beans, you will need a pressure canner and canning jars. Follow a trusted recipe and canning instructions to ensure safe and effective preservation.
Drying: Beans can also be dried for long-term storage. To do this, spread the beans out in a single layer on a clean, dry surface and allow them to air dry for several weeks. Once the beans are fully dry, remove them from the pods and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Final Thoughts
Planting beans in a garden is a great way to enjoy the vegetetable all summer long and an even better way to create a stash for the long winter months.
Let us know in the comments below which variety you plan on growing this gardening season!
