How to Plant Vermont Cranberry Beans

Vermont Cranberry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are an heirloom variety that gets its name from the deep red or pink coloring of the bean hull. It is a bush variety of bean native to the New England states but can grow in most other regions of the U.S. as well. The plant reaches only 2 feet high at maturity and you can plant them outdoors after the threat of frost passes in the spring.

Garden tiller or bow rake
Garden hoe
5-10-10 granular fertilizer
Garden hose

Instructions

- 1
  Plant the beans in the spring after daytime temperatures reach an average of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Look for a location with well-drained ground soil and full sunlight exposure.
- 2
  Loosen the soil in the site thoroughly to a 4- to 5-inch depth using a garden tiller. If a tiller is not available, you can accomplish the task with a hoe, or bow rake.
- 3
  Spread a 5-10-10 slow-release, granular fertilizer over the loosened soil using the recommended amount on the fertilizer package. In general, apply 1 lb. of fertilizer for every 100 square feet of garden space. Mix up the soil with the tiller or hoe to combine the fertilizer granules with the soil.
- 4
  Create a 1-inch-deep trench along the length of the planting site using the garden hoe. If you are planting multiple rows of Vermont Cranberry beans, create multiple trenches spacing them two feet apart.
- 5
  Insert the Vermont Cranberry bean seeds into the trench, spacing each two inches apart.
- 6
  Push soil into each of the trenches until they are filled. Pat the top of the soil lightly to firm it, but do not pack it down tightly.
- 7
  Water the soil to a 3-inch depth using a garden hose.

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