Homegrown beans: A guide to growing pole and bush varieties

Growing food at home provides many benefits beyond the harvest itself. It allows people to know exactly what they are eating and ensures their harvest is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. Gardening also supports sustainability by reducing the need for food transportation. Additionally, taking care of plants can be a relaxing activity, promoting mental well-being and offering a break from the fast pace of modern life.

Benas are versatile plants that can thrive in various spaces, from backyard gardens to small patios. They are packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plant-based protein.

Growycle provides expert gardening tips to promote kitchen gardening. This guide explains how to plant, care for, and enjoy popular types of beans, assisting gardeners in creating a successful and satisfying growing experience.

Botanical Features of Beans

Beans are a group of plants cultivated for their edible seeds or pods. They are part of the legume family and are commonly grown in home gardens for their versatility, nutritional benefits, and ease of cultivation.

• Plant Type: Beans are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle within one growing season.
• Growth Habit: Beans are either climbing (pole beans) or bushy (bush beans). Pole beans climb using tendrils, while bush beans remain compact and grow near the ground.
• Leaves: The leaves of bean plants are usually simple, alternate, and have a palmate shape (three to seven leaflets) that are green and smooth or slightly hairy.
• Flowers: Bean plants produce showy, often brightly colored flowers that attract pollinators. These flowers are usually butterfly-shaped and grow in clusters along the stem or at leaf axils. Depending on the variety, the flowers can be white, purple, pink, or red.
• Fruit/Pods: Beans produce elongated pods that contain the seeds (the beans). The pods typically begin as green and mature to a brown or tan color as they dry. The beans inside the pods are edible seeds, which vary in size, color, and shape depending on the variety.

Pole Beans vs. Bush Beans

Beans are a staple in many home gardens due to their ease of cultivation, versatility, and nutritional value. To grow beans successfully, it is essential to understand the two main types:

1. Pole Beans

Pole beans are climbing plants known for their vining growth habit. To grow effectively, these beans require vertical support, such as trellises, poles, or fences. Their climbing nature makes them ideal for small gardens, as they grow upwards rather than spreading out.

One key advantage of pole beans is their longer harvest period. Unlike bush beans, which tend to produce their crop all at once, pole beans continue to flower and produce pods throughout the growing season. This extended yield makes them a great choice for gardeners looking for a steady supply of fresh beans.

2. Bush Beans

Bush beans are compact plants that grow close to the ground. They do not require any support structures, making them easy to manage and suitable for gardeners with limited time or resources.

Bush beans mature quickly, often producing a full harvest within a few weeks. This characteristic makes them ideal for gardeners who want a fast growing crop or prefer to plant multiple rounds of beans in a single growing season.

Varieties of Pole Beans and Bush Beans

Here are some popular pole and bush bean varieties to consider, each with unique characteristics and uses:

Benefits of Homegrown Beans

Growing beans at home offers many advantages, from better nutrition to saving money. Here are the key benefits of growing beans at home:

1. Nutritional Value

Beans are full of essential nutrients, making them a great addition to any diet. Growing beans at home means enjoying fresh, healthy beans.

• Good Source of Protein: Beans are a great plant-based protein, which is perfect for vegetarians or anyone cutting down on meat.
• Rich in Fiber: They are high in fiber, which is good for digestion, lowering cholesterol, and managing blood sugar levels.
• Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Beans provide essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate, which help the body function properly.

2. Cost-Effective

Growing beans at home can save money. Buying beans, especially organic or fresh beans, can be expensive. But growing the own is affordable and provides a steady supply of beans.

• Cheap Seeds: Bean seeds are inexpensive and easy to find, allowing for a large harvest with a small investment.
• Ongoing Harvest: Pole beans, in particular, keep producing beans over time so that gardeners can enjoy a continuous harvest.
• No Store Markup: Growing beans at home eliminates the middleman and extra costs, making it a more affordable option than buying them from the store.

3. Freshness and Taste

Beans grown at home taste better than store-bought ones. Fresh beans are sweeter, crisper, and more flavorful than dried or canned beans.

• Picked at the Best Time: Home gardeners can harvest beans when they are fully ripe, ensuring the best taste and texture.
• Variety of Flavors: Different bean varieties offer different tastes, and growing beans at home give the chance to try new flavors.
• No Chemicals or Preservatives: Homegrown beans are free from preservatives and pesticides, making them a healthier and more natural food source.

4. Environmental Benefits

Growing beans at home helps the environment in several ways:

• Healthy Soil: Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they improve soil health by adding nitrogen back into the ground. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
• Low Water Use: Beans don’t require much water, making them a sustainable option for gardeners in dry areas.
• Less Packaging and Transport: Growing beans at home means less packaging waste and a lower carbon footprint, as there is no need to transport beans from the store.

5. Health Benefits

Gardening, including growing beans, is suitable for both physical and mental health.

• Physical Exercise: Gardening activities like planting, weeding, and harvesting provide light exercise, which improves overall fitness.
• Stress Relief: Caring for plants can reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Sense of Achievement: Successfully growing food provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Preparing to Grow Beans

Before planting beans, planning and preparing the garden properly is important.

Selecting the Right Type

Before planting beans, choosing the right type for the garden is essential. Some factors help decide which type of bean (pole or bush) will grow best.

• Space: Pole beans grow tall and need support like a trellis or stake. They are good for small gardens or places with limited space. Bush beans grow close to the ground and don’t need support, making them easier to plant in smaller spaces.
• Climate: Beans grow best in warm weather. Pole beans need a longer growing season, while bush beans mature faster and may be better for cooler climates.
• Time Commitment: Pole beans need more care because they climb and need regular harvesting. Bush beans are quicker to grow and don’t need as much attention, making them easier for beginners.

Choosing the Right Location

Beans need the right environment to grow well. They need full sun, meaning they should get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. A sunny spot is best for growing healthy beans.

Beans grow well in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. These plants don’t like soggy soil, so they must be planted in well-drained soil to avoid root problems. Beans improve soil by adding nitrogen, but adding compost or organic matter to the soil can help them grow stronger.

Planting the Bean Seeds

It is time to plant seeds after choosing the right bean type and preparing the soil. Whether planting pole or bush beans, follow the proper steps for a good harvest.

When to Plant

The timing of planting is important for beans to grow well. Beans like warm soil to start growing.

• Pole Beans: Plant these after the last frost when the soil is warm, around 70°F (21°C).
• Bush Beans: These can be planted a little earlier in the season, once the soil reaches 60°F (15°C).

Beans need warm soil to sprout. Check the last frost date for the area and wait until it is safe to plant.

How to Plant

Planting beans is easy. Here’s how to do it for both pole and bush beans:

Pole Beans

• Loosen the soil where growers want to plant the beans.
• Put a trellis or pole in place for the beans to climb. Make sure it is tall and strong enough.
• Plant seeds 1-2 inches apart along the support, about 1 inch deep.
• Water the area well after planting, but don’t allow it to stay too wet.

Bush Beans

• Loosen the soil and mix in some compost if needed.
• Plant seeds in rows, 2 inches apart, with 12-18 inches between rows.
• Plant seeds about 1-2 inches deep.
• Water gently after planting.

Companion Planting and Crop Rotation

Beans do well when planted next to certain plants:

• Ideal Companions: Beans grow well with carrots, cucumbers, and corn. These plants share similar needs and can help each other grow.
• Pest Control: Beans can attract pests like aphids and bean beetles. Plant beans with garlic, onions, or marigolds to keep pests away, which helps repel insects.
• Crop Rotation: Don’t plant beans in the same spot every year. Rotate beans with other plants to keep the soil healthy and prevent disease.

Bean Plants Care Guide

Caring for bean plants is simple but requires attention to key aspects like watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest control.

1. Watering

Watering is essential for healthy bean growth, but the right amount is key. Beans need consistent moisture but don’t like their roots sitting in soggy soil. Water the plants deeply once a week, especially if the weather is dry or hot. During dry spells, growers can water more frequently. Be sure to water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, as wet leaves can lead to diseases.

It’s essential to watch for signs of overwatering or underwatering. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves or soggy soil, indicating that the plants receive too much water. On the other hand, underwatering can cause dry, brittle leaves and slow growth, signaling the plants aren’t getting enough moisture.

2. Fertilizing

Beans are beneficial to the soil because they add nitrogen as they grow. However, they can still benefit from extra nutrients, especially in poorer soils. For the best growth, use organic compost or well-rotted manure. A balanced fertilizer can also be used, but avoid too much nitrogen, as it may encourage lots of leafy growth without producing enough beans.

Apply fertilizer before planting and again halfway through the growing season if the plants need it. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive leaf growth, which can affect the bean harvest, so be sure to follow the recommended amounts and avoid overfeeding the plants.

3. Pruning and Training

Pole beans need support as they grow and require guidance to climb. As the plants grow, use soft ties to gently guide the vines up the trellis, poles, or other structures. Be careful not to damage the delicate vines when securing them. Gardeners can train the vines by gently wrapping them around the supports or using string to tie them in place.

As the plants grow, it is important to manage overcrowding. Thin out any crowded vines to improve air circulation, which helps prevent diseases like mildew. Proper airflow around the vines also supports healthier growth, allowing the beans to reach their full potential.

4. Weed and Pest Control

Weeds compete with beans for water and nutrients, so controlling them is essential. To prevent weeds from growing and conserve moisture, use mulch around the base of the plants. If weeds appear, pull them out by hand to avoid disturbing the bean roots.

Pests like aphids, bean beetles, and caterpillars can harm bean plants. Using organic solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap to control pests naturally. Gardeners can also introduce natural predators, like ladybugs. Regularly check the plants for signs of pests, such as chewed leaves or small insects, and take action as soon as they are spotted.

Harvest and Storage of Green Beans

Harvesting and storing beans at the right time is essential to preserve their flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Here is a guide on harvesting and storing both pole and bush beans.

When to Harvest

• Pole beans are ready to harvest 60-90 days after planting. The pods should be whole, and the beans inside should feel firm when growers gently squeeze them. The pods should change color, turning light green or yellow, but they should not be completely dry.
• Bush beans mature faster than pole beans. They are usually ready to harvest in 50-60 days. Harvest them when the pods are full and the beans inside have reached their full size. The beans should still be tender, not dried out.

Harvesting beans in the morning when the plants are cool and dry is best. This helps prevent diseases. Avoid harvesting beans during the hottest part of the day to prevent wilting.

Harvesting Techniques

To avoid harming the plants while harvesting, follow these tips:

• Gently pull the pods off the plants. Be careful not to tear the stems or leaves. If the pods are hard to remove by hand, use garden shears to cut them off.
• To get the most beans from the plants, harvest regularly. This encourages the plants to keep producing more beans. Make sure to pick the beans before they become overripe, as older beans may not taste as good and could reduce the plant's overall yield.

Short-Term Storage

If growers plan to use the beans soon, store them in the refrigerator. Place them in a breathable bag or container to keep them fresh for 1-2 weeks.

Long-Term Storage

For longer storage, beans can be frozen, dried, or canned:

• Freezing: To freeze beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then cool them in ice water. Dry them completely before placing them in airtight freezer bags or containers. Frozen beans can last for several months.
• Drying: To dry beans, spread the harvested pods in a warm, dry place for a few weeks until the beans inside are dehydrated. Once dry, remove the beans from the pods and store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.
• Canning: If people want to can beans, they should follow canning procedures to prevent contamination. Pack the beans in jars with hot water and process them according to safe canning guidelines.

FAQs

What kind of beans are garden beans?

Garden beans typically refer to common beans grown in home gardens, including varieties like pole beans and bush beans.

How are beans farmed?

Beans are farmed by planting seeds in well-prepared soil, providing the proper water, sunlight, and space for growth. Beans are usually grown in rows with supports for climbing varieties (like pole beans), and they need careful care to avoid pests and ensure healthy growth.

How long do beans take to grow?

Depending on the variety, beans typically grow between 50 and 90 days. Bush beans usually mature faster, while pole beans take a bit longer to reach full maturity.

The Bottom Line

Growing beans at home offers fresh and healthy food, helps the environment, and promotes sustainability. Whether growing pole or bush beans, gardeners can have a satisfying experience while learning how to grow these useful plants. Beans are good for health, save money, improve soil, and offer a relaxing gardening experience.

With proper planning, care, and harvesting, anyone can have a successful bean harvest, adding fresh, homegrown flavor and nutrition to their meals. Visit Growcycle to learn more about homegrown vegetable growing and caring advice.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.