Beans

Planting beans

Sow directly after the last frost when the soil has warmed to about 60 degrees F. Cold, wet soil rots bean seed before it sprouts.

Planting details

• Bush beans need no support; pole beans need a trellis
• Sow a small row every 2 to 3 weeks for a steady harvest
• Seed depth: about 1 inch

Growing requirements

Beans need full sun and evenly moist, well-drained soil. They fix much of their own nitrogen, so heavy feeding grows leaves at the expense of pods. Keep hands and tools off the plants while foliage is wet, which is when bacterial diseases spread.

Harvesting and care

Pick pods while they are still slender and before the seeds inside bulge. Picking every few days keeps plants setting new pods instead of finishing seed.

Common mistakes

• Sowing into cold soil, which rots seed before it germinates
• Adding lots of nitrogen, which produces lush foliage and few pods
• Working or harvesting wet plants, which spreads bacterial blight down the row

Companion plants

Corn, cucumbers, carrots, and squash are traditional bean neighbors. Keep beans away from onions and garlic, which can slow their growth.