Best Practices for Growing Easy and Delicious String Beans
In time, a novice gardener may search out how to grow beans. They are nature's health-giving sustenance and one of the easiest foods to cultivate.
However, the environment and conditions in which a bean will grow vary according to variety, especially for the summer and winter months.
String beans, or snap beans, scientifically known as Phaseolus Vulgartis, are the more common bean to grow. They grow as a bush-type, such as Blue Lake, or a pole-type, like asparagus bean.
Each bush/pole can vary in shape, size, and color. The growing period for bush-type snap beans is approximately 50-55 days, whereas pole-type beans grow in about 50-67 days.
Below you will see a list of beans for beginner gardeners to try:
- Asparagus Bean
- Blue Lake
- Provider
- Tendercrop
- Goldcrop Wax
- Kentucky Wonder
- Romano Italian
How to Grow Beans
- Planting: String beans grow easily in warm, well-drained soil. However, they must have warmth. Grow beans when the ground is pliable, preferably when the soil reaches a temperature of 48°F, before placing seeds in the ground and avoid the frost. Very few plants can grow when the ground is frozen. After the frost has passed, simply plant them about 8-inches apart in a single row. A double row is grown with 12-inches apart between the rows.
- Fertilization: Before planting, incorporate a 3-inch layer of compost into the soil. To fertilize them with water, use liquid plant food. After given a little fertilization, beans typically do fine without it.
- Watering: Be sure to water them daily, especially when the sun is out as it can cause water spots.
- Weeding: Keep beans weeded.
Bean Growing Tips
1. Try planting at 60 to 70°F or when the weather is warm.
2. If you prefer, place seeds in a container and then transplant the plants to the soil after growth.
3. Plant your beans at least one inch into the soil.
String beans are fun and very easy to grow. Plant a new crop every 3-4 weeks, and you will have beans throughout the summer.
