Common Bean

What you'll need:

Common bean seeds (choose from bush beans or pole beans, depending on your space)

A sunny spot in your garden or some large pots (at least 8–12 inches deep)

Good-quality soil (beans aren’t too picky, but they prefer loose and well-draining soil)

A little compost or general-purpose fertilizer to give them a boost

• For pole beans: some stakes, a trellis, or a support system like a teepee

When to start:

Beans love warm weather, so wait until after the last frost in spring. Soil should feel warm to the touch—around 50–60°F (10–15°C). If you're unsure about frost dates, just check with your local gardening center.

Choosing between bush and pole beans:

• Bush beans: Compact plants that don’t need support; perfect for smaller spaces.
• Pole beans: These grow tall (up to 6 feet!) and need something to climb, but they produce more beans over a longer period.

Finding a good spot:

Beans love sunshine, so aim for a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Whether planting directly in the ground or using pots, ensure there’s enough room for the roots to spread out.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide:

1. Prepare the soil: Loosen it up with a small rake or hoe. Beans aren’t super fussy, but they’ll do better if the soil is light and airy. Mix in a bit of compost if you have it.
2. Planting seeds:
   • For bush beans, poke holes about 1 inch deep and 3–4 inches apart. Drop 1–2 seeds in each hole, cover lightly with soil, and water gently.
   • For pole beans, plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart near a trellis or support system. The vines will climb up as they grow.
3. Watering: After planting, water the soil well—but don’t drown them! You want the soil moist, like a damp sponge.
4. Germination: Beans sprout quickly, usually within 7–10 days. Once they’re up and growing, thin out any extra seedlings so the plants are spaced properly (about 4 inches apart for bush beans and 6 inches for pole beans).

Tip: If planting in pots, make sure there’s good drainage at the bottom. Beans hate soggy roots!

Sunlight and Temperature:

Beans enjoy warmth and sunlight—aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. They thrive best when temperatures stay between 60–85°F (15–29°C). If it gets too cold (below 50°F/10°C), they might slow down or stop growing.

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Check by sticking your finger into the soil—if it feels dry an inch down, it’s time to water.
• Water near the base of the plant, not all over the leaves. Wet leaves can lead to disease.
• During hot spells, you may need to water every day, especially if they’re in pots (pots dry out faster than garden soil).

Fertilizer:

Beans are pretty self-sufficient because they naturally “fix” nitrogen in the soil. This means you don’t need to fertilize much. If you want to give them a little boost, use a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season, but go easy—too much nitrogen can lead to lots of leaves and fewer beans.

Support for Pole Beans:

If you’re growing pole beans, you’ll need to help them climb. Use stakes, a trellis, or even bamboo poles arranged in a teepee shape. Gently guide the vines onto the support as they grow. They’ll cling on their own once they get started!

Pruning and Maintenance:

Bush beans don’t need much pruning, but for pole beans, trim off any unhealthy or overcrowded stems to encourage more bean production. Also, remove any yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy.

When to Harvest:

• Bush beans: Usually ready to harvest in about 50–60 days after planting.
• Pole beans: These take a little longer, around 60–70 days, but they produce beans continuously over a longer period.

You’ll know the beans are ready when they’re firm, crisp, and about the size of a pencil. Don’t let them get too big or they’ll be tough and stringy!

How to Harvest:

• Pick the beans by gently holding the stem with one hand and pulling the bean with the other. This prevents damage to the plant.
• Harvest regularly! Picking beans often encourages the plant to keep producing more.

Storage Tips:

• Fresh beans can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just place them in a plastic bag or container to keep them fresh.
• If you grow more than you can eat, beans can be frozen or canned for later use. Simply blanch them in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then cool in ice water before freezing.

Q: Why are my bean leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves can mean a few things:

• Overwatering: Let the soil dry out a bit before watering again.
• Lack of nutrients: While beans fix their own nitrogen, they still need other nutrients. Add a little compost or balanced fertilizer.
• Natural aging: Older leaves will turn yellow as the plant matures—it’s normal!

Q: Are pests attacking my beans?

A: Yes, beans can attract pests like aphids or spider mites. Spray the leaves with a mix of water and a drop of dish soap. If you see larger bugs, simply pick them off by hand.

Q: Do I need to fertilize beans?

A: Not much! Beans naturally add nitrogen to the soil. Too much fertilizer can actually harm them by causing excessive leaf growth instead of bean production.

Q: My beans aren’t producing—what’s wrong?

A: Check the temperature. Beans won’t flower or produce if it’s too cold or too hot. They prefer mild weather. Also, make sure they’re getting enough sunlight—at least 6 hours a day.

Q: Can I grow beans in containers?

A: Absolutely! Bush beans do well in pots, and even pole beans can work if you provide a trellis. Just make sure the pot is at least 12 inches deep and has good drainage.