Common beans are several inches long and either round or flattened in shape.
Bean plantsare annual vegetables that grow quickly and are best planted in the spring.
The flowers appear about two months after planting.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Harvest time varies greatly, depending on the jot down of bean.
Note that the seeds of raw or undercooked beans can be toxic to people and animals.
Plant in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
double-check there are no tall shrubs or trees nearby that will create too much shade for the beans.
Beans also can be grown in raised beds and containers.
Common Bean Care
Light
Beans needfull sunfor the best yield.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Soil
Beans likeorganically richloamy soil with a slightly acidic pH.
Good soil drainage also is key.
Remove weeds prior to planting to prevent competition for soil nutrients and moisture.
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As the beans grow, weed carefully around the plants, as their shallow roots are easily damaged.
Water
Common beans need 1 inch of water per week.
If the soil is dry, it’s time to water.
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Plants that are underwatered will stop flowering.
Beans have shallow roots, andmulchingcan help to keep them cool and preserve moisture in the soil.
If the soil temperature is below 60 degrees, seeds will germinate more slowly and are susceptible to rot.
The plants grow best when the air temperature is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Beans tend to stop flowering in the extreme heat of summer.
But keep them well-watered, and they will resume flowering and production when temperatures cool.
Moreover, common beans grow in all humidity conditions if properly watered.
Fertilizer
As legumes,beans fix nitrogen in the soil, so avoid a high-nitrogen fertilizer.
Instead, use a 10-20-10 fertilizer to feed the plants throughout the growing season, following the product directions.
Pollination
Most bean varieties are self-pollinators.
The blossoms are so-called “perfect flowers” that include both male and female parts.
double-check to buy a variety that fits your expectations.
you’ve got the option to start to harvest anytime after the beans form.
The inner seeds should not yet be visible through the pods.
In general, bush beans are ready to pick in 50 to 55 days after planting.
Pole beans will take 55 to 65 days, depending on the variety.
Check the packet to be sure your choice will have time to mature in your growing season.
Harvest by gently pulling each bean from the vine or by snapping them off at the vine end.
Be careful not to damage the plant when harvesting.
you’re able to cook the beans right away or blanch and freeze them.
They can keep in the freezer for up to a year.
Aim for a container that is at least 1 foot deep with ample drainage holes.
An unglazed clay container is ideal because it will allow excess soil moisture to evaporate through its walls.
Wood barrels also can make good planters.
These are annual plants that do not return the following spring.
Propagating Common Beans
Bean plants are propagated via seed.
Because the plants areannuals, this is an inexpensive way to ensure you have new plants each year.
Their roots are shallow and easily damaged.
Other diseases, including white mold, bean rust, and mosaic virus, can also affect bean plants.
Help prevent diseases by keeping the vines dry.
Also, don’t overcrowd the plants, and provide plenty of air circulation.
you could look for plant varieties that are bred for disease resistance.
Beans are easy to grow if you’ve got the option to meet their light and moisture needs.
Beans are generally ready for harvesting around two months after planting.
Beans can be grown indoors but will likely need grow lights to supplement natural sunlight.
Phaseolus Vulgaris (Bean, Beans, Green Bean, Green Beans).North Carolina State Extension.
Plants Poisonous to Livestock.Cornell University Department of Animal Science.
Phaseolus vulgaris.Missouri Botanical Garden.
