Bean Growth Factors

Soil

• Beans require well-drained soil. Avoid locations with poorly drained soil that collects water puddles after rainfall or irrigation. Improve the soil in poorly drained locations before you plant by amending the location with compost. The acidity of the soil, or pH, also affects bean growth. Beans require a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 to grow well and remain healthy. Test the soil before you plant, using a test kit from your local extension office, and add sulfur or lime to the soil to alter the pH to the necessary level. The test indicates which amendment is necessary and how much to use.

Sun and Temperature

• Warm summer temperatures help beans grow and produce well. The plants cannot tolerate frost and grow best at temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds germinate within a week when planted into soil that is 65 F or warmer. Grow the beans in a bed that receives full, all-day sunlight. The combination of warmth and sun helps the beans remain healthy. Use a plastic mulch over the bed before you plant. The mulch warms the soil earlier in the spring. Apply wood chips and other organic mulches after the soil has warmed; otherwise, these mulches may keep the soil too cool for healthy bean growth.

Water

• Regular watering keeps the soil moist in the root zone of the plants. Beans have shallow roots that cannot access moisture deep in the soil. The plants require 1 to 2 inches of water per week, supplied by one to two weekly waterings. Supply enough water to moisten the top 6 inches of soil, and water the beans when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulching helps retain the moisture in the soil by blocking evaporation. The plants will begin to wilt and die if they experience drought stress.

Fertilization

• Beans require minimal fertilization because they create their own nitrogen in the soil. Nitrogen is the primary element required for healthy plant growth. The seeds require treatment with a bean inoculate before planting to create their own nitrogen. Purchase preinoculated seeds, or purchase the correct inoculate from your seed supplier to ensure that the beans produce enough nitrogen. A balanced fertilizer applied before you sow the seeds usually provides enough of the other necessary nutrients for the entire growing season. Apply the fertilizer according to the recommendations on the package.