Can Fresh Green Bean Seeds Be Used to Replant?

Collecting the Seeds

• Select a few green beans to leave on your plant when harvesting. Allow the beans you left behind to remain on the plant until they become dry. The beans themselves should take on a papery, brittle appearance. Once this occurs, pluck the beans from the plant and split them open. Collect the dried seeds from inside and store them in an airtight container in a cool place until you are ready to plant them.

Preparing the Soil

• Till the soil, removing any weeds or rocks from the area. Work compost or peat moss into the soil to provide your beans with a natural, continuous source of fertilization in the soil. Water soil until it is moist, not soggy or damp. Ensure that the soil is warm enough; if planting during the summer growing season, the soil will be warm enough. Otherwise, ensure that the soil is at least 48 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer.

Planting

• Seeds may be planted as often as every two weeks during the growing season to ensure a consistent crop of green beans. Press individual seeds 1 inch into the prepared soil, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart. Always plant the seeds directly into your garden rather than starting them indoors, as the young plants likely will not survive transplanting. Cover the seeds lightly with soil. Water immediately after planting to allow the seeds to begin germination.

Care

• Water green beans daily, keeping soil moist. Fertilize the plants weekly to keep them nourished and healthy. Allow the plants a full-sun environment, ensuring they get at least four to six hours of direct sunlight each day. Keep the plants' roots cool and moist by placing a layer of mulch over the surface of the soil. Mulch may be made of wood chips, pine needles, lawn clippings or even used coffee grounds.