Growing and Caring for Common Beans: A Comprehensive Guide
Planting Common Beans
Common beans are easy to grow if you can provide them with ample sunlight and moisture. Plant them in well-drained soil after the last frost date. Choose a planting site with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Types of Common Beans
There are three main types of common beans:
- Pod/Snap Beans: These are the most popular beans for home gardeners. They can be either bush beans or pole beans. Bush beans grow 18-30 inches tall and are self-supporting, while pole beans have vines that can climb up to 15 feet.
- Shell Beans: With shell beans, the pod is not eaten. Instead, the beans are removed from the pod as they approach maturity.
- Dry Beans: Dry beans include kidney beans, white beans, yellow beans, navy beans, and pinto beans. They are typically shelled and stored dry or canned for later use.
Growing Common Beans in Pots
Growing beans in containers is a great option for gardeners with limited space. Choose a container that is at least 1 foot deep with ample drainage holes. Plant the beans in a quality potting mix that is labeled for vegetables.
Care for Common Beans
Light: Beans need full sun to produce the best yields.
Soil: Beans prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, before planting.
Water: Water beans regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Aim to provide 1 inch of water per week.
Fertilizer: Fertilize beans every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid using a high-nitrogen fertilizer, as beans are legumes and can fix nitrogen from the air.
Pollination: Most bean varieties are self-pollinating. However, bees and other pollinators can help to improve pollination and yields.
Harvesting Common Beans
Beans are ready to harvest when the pods are young and tender, about the size of a small pencil. The inner seeds should not yet be visible through the pods. Harvest beans regularly to encourage continued production.
Common Pests and Diseases
Several pests and diseases can affect common beans, including:
- Mexican bean beetles: These beetles eat the flowers, beans, and leaves of bean plants.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests pierce the leaf surface and suck the sap, causing leaves to die.
- Japanese beetles: These beetles can skeletonize bean leaves.
- Bean leaf beetles: These beetles can girdle the stems of bean plants near the soil line.
- Alternaria leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on bean leaves.
To prevent pests and diseases, keep the bean plants clean and free of debris. Water them at the base of the plants to avoid getting the leaves wet.
Growing Common Beans from Seed
Bean seeds can be sown directly in the garden after the last frost date. Plant the seeds 1-2 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to 3-4 inches apart after they have germinated.
Propagating Common Beans
Bean plants can be propagated via seed. Harvest seed pods from healthy plants once they have dried and become brittle. Break open the pods to release the seeds. Store the seeds in a dark, dry, cool spot within an airtight container. They should be viable for three to four years.
Additional Tips for Growing Common Beans
- Rotate your bean crops: Plant beans in a different location in your garden each year to help prevent soil-borne diseases.
- Companion planting: Plant beans with other vegetables that benefit from their nitrogen-fixing abilities, such as corn, tomatoes, and peppers.
- Mulching: Mulch around bean plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pruning: Pruning is not necessary for common beans, but you can remove any dead or diseased leaves or stems.
