Beans are flavorful, protein-rich vegetables that are easy to cultivate at home. Pole beans are bean plants with runners that climb poles or other tall stationary objects. There are also bean varieties that grow on compact bushes.
Let’s take a closer look at bush bean plants and their growing requirements.
Why You Should Consider Growing Bush Bean Plants
Bush beans don’t require a tall object like a pole or trellis to grow and spread. Bushes also produce beans faster and take up less space.
Bush beans contain beneficial minerals and are loaded with antioxidants. They are also high in calcium and vitamin K, which are essential for maintaining strong, healthy bones.
These bean plants have minimal care requirements and produce an abundant harvest of beans when planted in ideal growing conditions.
Bush beans also make great companion plants because they increase the amount of nitrogen. This boost is good for nitrogen-loving plants like corn and asparagus.
Bush beans can be used in a variety of dishes, salads, and soups. They are also easy to preserve in cans, so you can enjoy their delectable flavor and health benefits year-round.
When to Plant
Bush beans are warm-season plants that should be planted after the risk of freezing has passed.
It’s best to grow them indoors when temperatures outdoors are still chilly. If you start growing the bean plants outdoors, plant them in a flowerpot and bring them inside on cold nights.
Bush beans thrive in temperatures ranging from 65 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit. By succession sowing every two weeks, you can ensure a continuous yield of beans throughout the summer.
General Care
Water Needs
Bush beans require consistent moisture. Experts recommend watering the plants twice a week after the plants’ roots are established.
Water the plants in the morning to give the leaves time to dry before nightfall. Try to water them at the roots rather than on the foliage. This keeps fungus from forming on damp leaves.
Amount of Sun
Bush beans require full sun, or 6 – 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plants grown in partial shade might not produce as many beans as those grown in full sun.
Use row covers to protect plants from extreme heat, which might cause the flowers that grow on your bean plants to snap off.
Fertilization
Bush bean plants get their nitrogen from the air and don’t need fertilizing. Too much fertilizer will promote leaf growth rather than pod development.
If you must provide your plant with extra nutrients, use extra organic fertilizers with beneficial soil microbes.
Other Maintenance
Bush beans do not require pruning, but removing damaged or discolored leaves will help the plant look healthy. Just be careful not to remove too many leaves at once.
Harvest beans frequently to keep the plant productive. Pick beans when they are still tender and before the pods have fully matured, which is typically a week or two after flowering.
Carefully remove beans by hand to avoid damaging the plants and pods.
