Green Bean Varieties: Tendergreen

Description

• The most notable characteristic of the Tendergreen bean variety is the stringless nature of the pods. The pods are also quite straight, reaching a length of 6 to 7 inches. Pods are dark green, round and contain purple seeds with beige markings. The Tendergreen is a bush bean that grows upright and requires no staking. The plant grows about 18 to 22 inches tall.

Popular Uses

• As a snap bean, the Tendergreen is used in its green, or immature stage, when its fleshy walls and stringless pod are most valued. Tendergreens also produce suitable dried beans. The straight and stringless nature of the Tendergreen makes it popular for canning, pickling and freezing. These beans can also be eaten fresh, stir-fried, steamed or canned as shelled beans.

Planting

• Beans, as a warm-season crop, should only be planted after frost is no longer a threat. Plant seeds 1 inch deep in heavier soils or slightly deeper in sandy soil. Space the seeds 3 to 4 inches apart. The ideal soil pH ranges 5.8 to 6.3. Soils with a high salt content are not suitable for bean production.

Care

• A soil test can determine whether or not a fertilizer should be applied. Fertilizer can be broadcast prior to planting or banded below the seed at planting time. If plants begin to show signs of yellowing or poor growth an additional application may be required. Weed control is important, especially around young plants during the first six weeks following planting. Soil should remain evenly moist and an organic mulch can be applied to conserve moisture to reduce weeds.

Common Problems or Pests

• Common diseases of beans include anthracnose, mosaic, rust, bacteria blight and root rot. Use proper cultural practices including early-morning watering and crop rotation from year-to-year to reduce the incidence of diseases. Bean insect pests may include mites, aphids and leafhoppers.