How To Grow Bush Beans – Ultimate Guide For High Yields
There’s nothing quite like the fresh taste and crisp crunch of garden-grown bush beans. In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to grow massive quantities of these delicious vegetables in a small amount of space. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or new to the hobby, these tips will help you succeed in your garden.
Choosing the Right Bean Variety: Provider Beans
One key to success when growing bush beans is selecting the right bean variety. The Provider bean is an excellent choice, as it is easy to grow, has high yields, and tolerates a wide range of temperatures. This makes it a great option for gardeners in diverse climates, including New England’s zone 5.
- Provider Bush Bean
- Merchant:High Mowing Organic Seeds
- Price: $3.55
Preparing the Planting Site: Soil, pH, and Sun
Before planting your bush beans, it's important to prepare the site. Make sure the soil temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and the pH is above 6, and choose a location that gets 4 to 6 hours of sun per day. To boost soil health, consider adding a layer of fresh compost to the top of the soil. You can also plant a spring crop like arugula or radishes ahead of the beans to take advantage of the space.
Using Inoculants to Boost Nitrogen Fixation
Another important step when planting bush beans is to use inoculants. Beans are part of the legume family and have the ability to form symbiotic relationships with bacteria in the soil. This process, called nitrogen fixation, allows the plants to pull nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that they can use. To make sure you have the right bacteria in your soil, you can purchase inoculants from a seed supplier company. Simply mix the seeds with the inoculant and a little water before planting. You can buy inoculates below here on Amazon.
Planting and Caring for Your Beans: Square Foot Gardening, Mulch, and Irrigation
When planting your beans, follow the square foot gardening method, planting nine beans per square foot and creating 1-inch deep holes for the seeds. Keep the soil moist for the first five to seven days until the seeds germinate, then switch to drip irrigation. To help prevent disease and maintain soil moisture, apply organic mulch like grass clippings or dead leaves around the plants.
Unlike some other vegetables, bush beans do not need support, but you may find it helpful to put a small fence around the edge of your raised bed to keep the plants from falling over.
Harvesting and Maintaining Your Bean Plants
Beans are ready to harvest when they reach 4 to 7 inches in length and are slightly fatter than a pencil. Frequent harvesting will encourage the plants to keep producing. At the end of the season, cut the plants off at the base and leave the nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots to enrich the soil.
By following these tips on how to grow bush beans, you can enjoy a plentiful harvest of fresh, garden-grown beans all season long. Don't forget to check out High Mowing Organic Seeds for high-quality seeds, and use our Plan My Garden to get a custom garden plan tailored to your location and preferences.
