Bean plants are a type of legume, which are flowering plants that produce edible seeds in a pod. They are easy to grow, and have a wide variety of uses. Bean plants typically have a shallow root system, and can be grown in a variety of soils. They prefer full sun and regular watering. Bean plants are typically annuals, and will produce flowers and pods in the summer. The pods can be harvested when they are green, or allowed to mature and dry on the plant. The dried beans can then be shelled and used in a variety of recipes.
Planning Your Garden With Beans
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Beans are usually annual plants, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season. |
| USDA Zone | Beans are generally considered to be hardy in USDA Zones 3-10. |
| Cold Tolerance | Beans are generally tolerant to temperatures as low as 32. However, certain varieties may be more sensitive and should be protected from frost. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for beans is usually around 55-60 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown bean plant is between 2 and 4 feet tall. |
| Spacing requirements | Beans should be planted about 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Beans are generally considered to be a sun-loving crop and can tolerate full sun for most of the day. However, they will benefit from some afternoon shade in hot climates. |
| Shade tolerance | Beans are not particularly shade tolerant and prefer full sun. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce good yields. |
| Water requirements | Beans require 1-2 inches of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. When the soil is too dry, beans will not germinate or produce a good crop. If the soil is too wet, the beans may rot before they can germinate. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing beans depends on the type of soil you are using and the type of beans you are growing. Generally, a light application of a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 should be applied at planting time and then again when the plants begin to flower. It is important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct amount to use. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing beans is 6.0-6.8. |
Why Beans are Popular
People like to grow beans because they are a relatively easy crop to grow, they are relatively low maintenance, and they offer a variety of uses. Beans can be eaten fresh, canned, frozen, or dried. They are also a great source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
Companion Plants For Beans
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for beans include:
Common Pests For Beans
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow beans, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- leafhoppers
- flea beetles
- japanese beetles
- aphids
- beetles
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
