Description
Botanical name
Phaseolus vulgaris
Family
Fabaceae (Legume family)
Spacing
When planting outdoors, space bean plants approximately 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart.
Depth
Plant bean seeds at a depth of 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in the soil.
Sun & Soil Requirements
– Carminat requires full sun, preferably 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
– They thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Indoors
Beans are typically directly sown outdoors. However, you can start them indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date if you prefer. Use biodegradable pots or peat pots to minimize root disturbance during transplanting.
Outdoors
Directly sow bean seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up, typically around late spring or early summer.
Germination Time
Bean seeds usually germinate within 7-10 days, depending on temperature and growing conditions.
Companion planting
Beans can be grown alongside vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and radishes. They also benefit from being planted near herbs like dill and marigold.
Watering requirements
Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. Aim to provide about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week through rainfall and supplemental watering.
Fertilizer requirements
Beans are legumes that have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. Therefore, they generally have lower fertilizer requirements. However, incorporating well-composted organic matter into the soil before planting can provide beneficial nutrients.
Pests
Common pests that may affect beans include aphids, bean beetles, and spider mites. Monitor plants regularly and use organic pest control methods such as handpicking, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil if necessary.
Timing
Directly sow bean seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. This is typically around late spring or early summer.
Growing
Provide support for climbing bean varieties using trellises, stakes, or bean poles. Bush bean varieties usually don’t require support.
Harvest tips
Harvest bean pods when they are young and tender, typically when they are about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. Gently snap or cut the pods from the plant. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more.
Season tolerance
Beans are warm-season crops and prefer temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). They are generally frost-sensitive and require a frost-free growing season.
