Information on Growing Bean Seeds

Garden Preparation

• Beans grow best in full-sun beds that drain well and have a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. A soil test determines your soil pH and indicates any amendments necessary to bring it into the optimum range. Work the recommended amendment, usually dolomitic lime, and an all-purpose time-released fertilizer into the soil before you plant. Adding compost also helps improve the soil quality and drainage. If you are growing pole beans instead of bush varieties, erect your trellis or support system once the garden bed is prepared.

Planting Method

• Wait until all spring frost danger has passed before sowing beans. Beans are sown directly in the garden bed about 1 inch deep. Spacing depends on the bean variety, with pole beans spaced 4 inches apart in rows along the base of the support system. Sow bush beans 2 inches apart. Row spacing must be at least 12 inches apart, but may be wider depending on the support system in place and personal preference. Beans only require a small space to grow, so no thinning is necessary after the seeds germinate.

Water

• Regular irrigation helps ensure your beans grow strong and productive. Beans need 1 to 2 inches of water a week; water one to two times weekly so the top 6 inches of soil remains moist. It's best to irrigate in the mornings so the moisture has time to penetrate into the soil before the hot afternoon sun causes it to evaporate. Morning irrigation also helps prevent some fungal problems that occur on wet foliage, since the leaves dry more quickly during the day than in the evening.

Weeds and Pests

• Beans have shallow roots and do not tolerate weed competition. Pull weeds by hand and only cultivate shallowly so you don't damage the bean roots. A mulch covering helps prevent weeds from growing in the bed. Aphids, beetles and leafhoppers are the main insect pests on beans. Use insecticidal soaps, pesticides or floating row covers if pests are an issue in your garden. Young plants are most susceptible to pest issues.