How to Grow Beans

The two main types of beans depending on their growth pattern are classified into pole and bush beans. The pole beans, as their name suggests, require support for growth. Bush beans, on the other hand grow near the ground surface. Classification of bean varieties is also made on the basis of time at which the pods are picked. 'Shell', 'snap' and 'dry' are the different varieties. The bean plants complete their growth in 60-90 days; number of days for completion of growth varies on the basis of variety being used.

Growing beans

The beans are plants which require an area that receives full sunlight. Growing beans indoors would require arrangements to be made in accordance with sunlight availability. One shouldn't face much problem (other than that of sunlight availability) in growing the beans, indoors. Following are the steps to grow beans.

Soil:
The soil to be used for growing beans need to be well-drained; a soil that is rich in organic matter should be used. The pH range for healthy growth of beans need to be 5.5-6.5. To make the soil rich in organic matter, one should add compost before planting. One doesn't have to worry much about providing nitrogen to the bean plant; it is known to fix nitrogen from air. The organic matter provided to bean plant should however, contain potassium and phosphorus.

Sowing:
Seeds have to be sown after winter season i.e. at a time when frost no longer affects germination and further bean plant growth. The atmospheric temperature of 55 °F is suitable for sowing. Distance between two rows of bean plants need to be 3-4 feet. Depth of sowing should be around 1 inch. For the types of beans that develop into vines, support in the form of poles need to be installed at the time of sowing itself; this way, one can avoid the plant growth (and especially root growth) from getting disturbed later on. Thinning of seedlings need to be done just after emergence onto the surface. Thinning is carried out to maintain spacing between plants in a single row. A distance of 5-6 inch. and 6-8 inch. need to be maintained for bush and pole varieties respectively.

Watering and Fertilization:
The bean plants need to be watered at an interval of one week. However, the plant should be watered a bit more frequently at the time of development of pods. Care should be taken to see that plants are not over-watered. Fertilization in the form of compost should be provided at stage when the second set of leaves are formed. The compost used for fertilization also acts as mulching which preserves soil moisture. To encourage heavy yields (in the form of development of pods), compost tea should also be used as a fertilizer.

Harvesting:
As stated earlier, beans are classified on the basis of time at which they are harvested. The 'snap' beans are harvested while they are still younger and tender in appearance. 'Shell' beans on the other hand are picked when the pods turn plump. However, it necessary to harvest shell beans before the color turns brown. The 'dry' beans are picked when pods turn dry.

One should understand one thing that the snap, shell and dry beans are not different varieties but stages of pod development (maturity). It is on the basis of purpose (degree of dryness of bean seeds) that one should harvest beans at different stages.