How to Grow and Care for Green Beans


Growing green beans can be fun and rewarding. How can you help your plants thrive?
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Bean plants are annual crops that grow quickly in the spring and summer. Pole beans will take 55 to 65 days to mature, whereas bush beans will take 50 to 55 days.

Let’s learn how to grow and care for these beloved kitchen and garden staples.

Why You Should Consider Growing It

Green beans are popular worldwide, and they are used in a variety of delectable dishes. Although there are over 130 types of green beans, their nutritional content and health benefits are similar. Beans are versatile crops; they are high in fiber, protein, healthy carbohydrates, and minerals. They are a healthy addition to almost any dietary plan due to their low calorie and fat content.

Bean plants work with soil bacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen and turn it into a compound that plants can use, allowing them to thrive in low-nitrogen soils without additional fertilizer. This capability makes them a great companion plant, especially for heavy-feeding crops like corn.

soybean pods in the under the sunlight

When To Plant It

Green beans are a warm-season crop that can be sown in the spring as soon as the threat of frost has passed. Avoid planting too early because seeds planted too early may rot in cold, wet soil. Soil temperatures must be at least 55°F for proper seed germination. The optimal air temperature for healthy growth is around 65 to 85°F. 

a young bean sprout

General Care

Water Needs

Green beans require two inches of water every week. The plant should be watered daily, preferably in the mornings. To check if your plant needs water, put your finger in the soil near the plant’s base. If the soil feels dry, you need to water the plant immediately. 

Amount of Sun

Beans require full sun or at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day for proper development. Full sunshine keeps plants dry and reduces the risk of fungal infections. Although green beans can grow well in partial shade, they will have reduced yields without adequate sunlight.

Fertilization

Green beans don’t need much fertilizer. Beans are legumes that fix nitrogen in the soil, so avoid using a high-nitrogen fertilizer. It is advisable to use low-nitrogen 5-10-10 or 6-12-12 fertilizers. You can also use compost, bone meal, or well-rotted manure as organic fertilizers.

fruiting green mung beans

Other Maintenance

Pole beans require sufficient space to grow. They can easily take over an area and overcrowd other crops in the garden. One way to manage the plant’s growth is pruning or using the vertical space by allowing the vines to climb a trellis or wooden pole.

Bush green beans do not require trimming as part of routine care. However, if you want to keep them looking healthy, you can remove any damaged or discolored leaves. Broken stems are unlikely to regenerate and will squander valuable nutrients, and pruning may benefit the plant.

Carley Miller
Carley Miller is a horticultural expert at Bustling Nest. She previously owned a landscaping business for 25 years and worked at a local garden center for 10 years.
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