FAMILY
Fabaceae
WHEN TO PLANT
All year round
WHERE TO PLANT
Plant in a sunny position with moderately fertile soil. Beans prefer a
pH of 6.5 – 7. Beans can also be grown in pots.
WHAT TO PLANT
Seeding is often better as plants don’t tend to like root disturbance. There is also a bigger range available in seeds. Plant seeds and water in with a seaweed solution, if the soil temperature is warm enough seeds won’t require watering again until they germinate.
HOW MANY AND SPACING
About 3-4 plants per person with spacing at 15cm apart for dwarf beans and 30cm for climbing.
WANTS AND NEEDS
Beans are classed either as climbers or dwarfs (or bush). If growing climbing beans, make sure a trellis or frame is supplied. Beans require adequate moisture during flowering and pod formation. Avoid high nitrogen fertilisers as this will promote excess leaf growth at the expense of the flowers. Keep plants well mulched.
HARVEST
Beans are quick plants to provide a harvest, usually within about 8 weeks pods will be forming. Pick pods regularly as this will promote more flowering and fruiting.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
Bean Fly can be troublesome in the warmer weather. This little insect lays eggs on newly germinated plants, and the larvae then burrow into the stem causing the plants to then wilt and die. Choose varieties that are more resistant to attack, such as Snake beans. Hanging yellow sticking traps can help to reduce populations.
COMPANIONS
Corn, Parsley and Lettuces
GARDENERS TIPS
There are many types of beans, try Snake Beans or Purple Kings when the weather gets very warm.
