How Often Should You Water Phaseolus Vulgaris?

Early Development

• Bean seeds have a hard seed coat and some gardeners soak them to soften this outer shell. Unfortunately, soaking the seeds can cause them to crack and these damaged seeds may rot and fail to germinate. Instead of soaking bean seeds, plant them outdoors after the last expected frost. Water the soil immediately after planting so it is evenly moist, but not soggy. Continue to water frequently until the seedlings emerge.

Throughout the Season

• Beans need consistently moist soil to grow well and produce pods. If the soil is soggy, though, the plants are more prone to root rot and damping off. Drought conditions can cause shriveled pods and leaves. Water at least weekly or as needed to keep the soil evenly moist 1 inch beneath the surface; sandy soils need more frequent watering than clay soils. Beans need even more during hot, dry or windy weather. Stick your finger in the soil to determine moistness.

Watering Techniques

• How you water beans is as important as how often you water them. Beans are susceptible to several diseases, such as rust and anthracnose, which are spread by wet leaves and overhead watering. Use soaker hoses and drip systems instead of overhead sprinklers, to keep the leaves dry and reduce water loss to evaporation. It's best to water early in the morning on dry, sunny days so any water that does get on the leaves dries quickly. Also, avoid working in the vegetable garden when the plants are wet, such as after a rain.

Growing Conditions

• Beans and other vegetables do require a lot of water, but practicing a few smart water conservation practices can make the most of this precious resource. Amending your garden soil with peat moss, compost and manure before planting improves the soil texture as well as drainage, so water is used most efficiently. Organic mulches, such as untreated grass clippings and straw, can also conserve water by reducing evaporation. In fact, mulched gardens have double the soil moisture of those left bare, according to Cornell University Extension.