Bean Plants in Sunlight & Shade

Growing Beans

• Beans will adapt to most soil types. Mixing in some well-decomposed compost will keep plants healthy and soil draining well. Seeds should be planted 1 inch deep, approximately 2 to 3 inches apart. Depending on the specific type, bush beans will require between 50 and 60 days to mature, while pole beans have a much longer growth period and normally will require two plantings per year. Most beans will require support and plenty of water during growth.

Bush Beans

• The bush bean family includes "Kinghorn Wax," "Royal Burgundy" and "Gold Crop," among others. Most varieties will do best in full sun. These are annual plants that are fairly easy to grow and care for. Most will grow to be between 1 and 3 feet in height with a 1 to 2 foot width. Bush variety beans will tolerate partial shade, though yield will be reduced. Soil should be well-draining, but kept consistently moist. An average pH of 6.0 to 6.8 is best.

Pole Beans

• Pole beans include blue lake and Romano types and the "Kentucky Wonder" variety. Pole beans are grown as a climbing vine. They do best in full sun, though some will do well in partial shade. These species are natives of North America and are fairly easy to raise. Like other bean plants, the pole varieties require well-drained but moist soil with a slightly acidic pH. Upon reaching maturity, they will be between 5 and 10 feet in height with a 1 to 2 foot spread, ideal for smaller spaces than the bush beans.

Dry Beans

• Dry beans include many of the varieties that are widely found canned in the grocery store; kidney, pinto, and great northern beans are among the most widely used in the kitchen. These plants require very specific conditions in order to thrive, including high levels of moisture and nutrients. Prior to planting seeds, growers should thoroughly mix nutrient-rich compost into the soil to provide good drainage and as much nutrition as possible. These perform best in full sun, and won't tolerate shade. The height and width of the plant will vary depending on the specific type, but all will require staking to grow well.