Beans

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Beans are warm-weather vegetables that are easy to grow.  Provide basic requirements and you will reap the rewards. For more in-depth information about growing beans, click here.  


VARIETIES:  Beans are grouped into three types, Bush, Pole and Dry beans. Blue Lake, Kentucky Wonder, Kidney Beans and Royal Burgundy are a few that grow well in the Utah climate.


CULTIVATION:

Soil Preparation:

Beans grow in most well-drained soils. Have garden soil tested to see what additions, if any, may be needed. Organic matter and an all-purpose fertilizer are usually sufficient. For more information on soil testing, click here. 

 

Planting:

  • Plant seeds of all varieties 1-inch deep.
  • Bush and dry types should be spaced 2-4 inches apart, in rows 2-3 feet apart.
  • For continuous harvest, plant seeds every 2-3 weeks until mid-July.
  • Pole beans may be planted in rows or hills. In the row, plant seeds 3-4 inches apart, in rows 18-24 inches apart. Hills should be spaced 2-3 feet apart with four seeds per hill.
  • Pole beans produce over an extended period, so successive plantings are unnecessary. Beans require soil and air temperatures above 60° F for germination and growth. Plant after the average last frost date in your area. To check frost dates in your area, click here. 

 

Support: Pole beans require a structure to climb. Trellises, wood poles and mesh are all good options.

 

Irrigation: Beans benefit from regular watering. For best production, soil moisture levels should be maintained near field capacity, about 1 inch of water per week. For more information on watering, click here. 

 

Fertilization: Beans do not require fertilization beyond the initial soil preparation.

 

Harvest: Pick bush and pole beans when they are full sized with small seeds, firm and crisp - usually 7-14 days after flowering. Dry beans are harvested when pods are fully mature and beginning to dry.

COMMON PESTS AND DISEASES: The mexican bean beetle, leaf beetle, leafhoppers, cutworm and army worm are common pests that affect beans. Bean blight, root rot and damping-off are diseases that can distress beans. For more information on pests and diseases, click here.