Green bean growing guide: From garden to table

When vegetables are grown at home, they bring a raw, fresh taste and some greenery. However, choosing the right indoor vegetable is difficult. Many vegetables require specific locations, large spaces, or particular temperatures, making them difficult for gardeners to manage. On the other hand, green beans are easy to grow and care for and need little space, making them easy for gardeners with limited space. 

Green beans are farmer-friendly plants that produce a lot of beans. They are known for their high yield and versatility. These beans thrive well in gardens or containers and come in green, purple, red, and yellow colors. Further, they are often cooked simply, such as roasting, sautéing, or adding them to soups, making them a versatile and tasty meal option.

Unlike some other beans, the entire pod of green beans is edible, making them an excellent choice for enjoying delicious taste. Growcycle helps gardeners select the right indoor vegetables and uses simple harvesting methods for maximum yield.

Botanical Description

Green beans, scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris, are tender annual plants known as string beans or snap beans. They are part of the Phaseolus genus and are widely grown for their edible, flavorful pods.

Root System 

Green beans have a root system with many small branches that spread close to the plant. While the main root can grow over two feet deep, the smaller roots grow in the top layer of soil. The root ball is usually 18-24 inches deep, but depending on the bean variety, some roots can reach as deep as 36-48 inches. 

Stems

Green bean stems are small, thin, and bright green when freshly picked but turn brown over time. However, fresh stems are firm and free of brown spots, which indicates that the beans are older. Before cooking, snap the stem ends, but there is no need to remove tender shoots at the top of the bean. 

Leaves

Green bean leaves are usually oval-shaped with smooth edges. They grow in groups of three leaflets on a single stem, giving them a hand-like appearance. As green bean plants climb vines, the leaves grow along the vine. They are vibrant green in color and have a spade shape, similar to those of plants in the legume family. 

Flowers

Green beans produce flowers in irregular shapes with five petals. The flowers can be white, ivory, pink, or light lavender. The top petals of its flowers are known as the banner that attracts pollinators, while the side petals are the wings. However, the other two bottom petals form a scoop shape known as the keel.

Fruits 

Green beans are the unripe fruit of the bean plant. They are long and slender and can be green, yellow, or purple. However, they can be eaten before the seeds grow large inside the pod.

Growth Habit 

Green beans usually grow in two main ways: bush and pole. Bush beans grow in a compact shape and do not need much support, while pole beans climb and need something to grow tall. Pole beans produce pods throughout the season, while bush beans produce them simultaneously. However, there is also a third type, half-runner beans, which are shorter than pole beans.

Growth Rate 

Green beans grow quickly, with most bush varieties ready to harvest in 50 to 60 days. At the same time, pole beans take a bit longer, around 55 to 65 days. Hence, they can usually be harvested within two months of planting.

Characteristics of Green Beans

Green beans are a popular vegetable known for their crisp texture and mild flavor, making them a valuable addition to any diet.

Appearance 

• Color: Green beans are mostly green, but they can also be yellow, purple, or red. However, yellow beans are called wax beans. Some beans have purple or red spots, and others have a mottled appearance. 
• Shape: Green beans usually have different shapes depending on the variety. Fillet beans are thin and round, while Romano beans are wider and flat. Both types of green beans are tender and can be eaten whole, making them versatile for cooking.
• Size: Green beans are usually 4 to 7 inches long and 6.5 to 10.5 millimeters in diameter. They are available in different sizes, from extra-fine to middle-fine.

Texture 

Green bean vegetables have different textures depending on their preparation. Raw green beans are crunchy and firm, making them great for salads or cold dishes. However, when cooked, they become crispier. It is important to understand that frozen green beans may lose some texture during freezing and thawing.

Flavor and Aroma 

Raw green beans have a mild, slightly sweet, earthy flavor that makes them refreshing to eat. They also have a fresh, plant-like smell with a hint of grassiness. This sweetness, earthiness, and freshness make green beans a great addition to many dishes.

Benefits of Growing Fresh Green Beans

Green beans are a nutritious, easy to grow vegetable with a variety of health benefits, such as:

• Easy to Care: They are easy to grow and need very little care. They need sunlight, regular watering, and well-drained soil, making them perfect for busy gardeners. However, it also fixes nitrogen in the soil, which means there is no need for extra fertilizer.
• Continuous Harvests: This green bean plant offers continuous harvest, allowing ripe pods to be harvested throughout the growing season. It will keep producing new pods if it receives enough sunlight, warmth, and moisture. 
• Improves Bone Health: It is important for improving bone health because it contains a high amount of vitamin K, which helps the body absorb calcium. Calcium is important for strong bones and can lower the risk of fractures.
• Manage Weight Issues: Green beans are low in calories and high in fiber, making them good for weight management. They also contain vitamins A and C, which support metabolism and immunity. When mixed with a plant-based diet, these beans reduce the risk of obesity and related diseases.
• Regulates Heart Health: Green beans help regulate heart health mainly because they contain fiber, potassium, and folate. These nutrients help lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and prevent plaque buildup. However, vitamin C and flavonoids in green beans also protect the heart and blood vessels.

How to Grow Green Beans

Green beans are a popular, easy to grow vegetable that thrives in multiple conditions. Here is a step-by-step guide to growing them smoothly:

Step1. Choose a Proper Location

For growing green beans, choose a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight; each is an important day. However, gardeners need to be careful about a few things;

• Space: Make sure to choose a location with enough space because if pole beans need to be planted, they need larger space due to vertical growth. These beans need a trellis or other support to climb on. Bush beans, on the other hand, have a more compact growth habit and take up less space, making them ideal for smaller areas.
• Containers: Green beans can also thrive in containers that are perfect for small spaces. Use fabric grow bags or large pots that provide good drainage and sunlight.
• Raised Beds: With better drainage, raised beds offer more room for green beans to grow. They are perfect for gardeners looking for a more permanent planting option.

Step 2. Prepare the Ground

Before planting green beans, preparing the soil for optimal growth is also important. 

• Improve Soil Quality: Add compost or aged manure to improve the soil. It will help to retain moisture and nutrients for the plants.
• Remove Weeds: Remove any weeds in the planting area. This will ensure green beans have access to all nutrients. 
• Loosen the Soil: Dig the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches so the roots can grow easily.

Step 3: Sow the Seeds Directly

It is better to sow the seeds directly into the soil, as the fragile roots of green beans do not grow well while transplanting. Here is how to sow bush and pole beans:

• Bush Beans: Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Make sure that the rows are around 18 inches apart. Once the seedlings grow, thin them out and remove them. It will allow the plant to space 3-4 inches apart and grow in enough space. 
• Pole Beans: Plant these seeds 1 inch deep, close to a 6-8 foot-tall support structure like a trellis. Ensure the supports are placed 3-4 feet apart to give the beans enough space to climb.

Step 4: Provide Support

Pole beans require support to grow effectively, as they are climbing plants:

• Trellis: A tall, grid-like structure made of wood or metal can be used. It helps the beans climb and spread as they mature. 
• Bamboo canes: Bamboo canes are a natural and stable climbing structure for beans. Individuals can create a simple wigwam by tying the tops of bamboo canes together. 
• String or Twine: This helps green beans grow upright. Attach string or twine to posts to create vertical lines for the vines to climb. 

Make Trellis for Green Beans 

A bamboo trellis is an easy way to help green beans grow, especially pole beans. 

1. Choose the Right Bamboo Cane

Choose bamboo poles with ridges. Make sure the ridges are in the same spot when the poles are next to each other.

2. Trellis Making Process

• Place the Poles: Stick the bamboo poles into the soil where beans will be grown. However, place the poles around 3 feet apart to allow enough room for the plants.
• Tie the First Twine Lines: Start at the bottom of the poles and tie a piece of twine from one pole’s ridge to the other. Do this for both the top and bottom of the poles.
• Add Diagonal Twine: Go back to the bottom and tie the twine diagonally from pole to pole. This will create a web-like structure that supports the beans as they climb.
• Add Vertical Twine: Tie twine from the top to the bottom to create vertical lines. This will help the bean vines and keep them upright.

Care Tips for Growing Fresh Green Beans

Green beans thrive indoors under the right conditions. Here are a few tips for caring for them and ensuring healthy growth. 

1. Regular Watering

Green beans usually need consistent moisture, especially when growing and producing pods. It is better to water 1-2 inches each week. Gardeners need to water deeply rather than frequently. They can use a drip system to avoid getting soil on the leaves, which can cause diseases.

2. Daily Sunlight

Green beans grow best in full sunlight and need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can tolerate some shade, they will produce fewer beans in less sunlight. Gardeners need to place the bean plants where they get direct morning sunlight. This light is mostly preferred as it avoids causing damage and scorching to the leaves compared to the afternoon sun. 

3. Fertile Soil

This bean vegetable thrives best in soil that is rich and well-drained. It must be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Gardeners can add perlite, compost, or manure to improve the soil nutrients. However, it is important to remove weeds before planting to avoid competition for nutrients. 

4. Temperature and Humidity 

Green beans grow best when the soil temperature is between 70 and 80°F. However, if the soil is cooler than 60°F, seeds may germinate slowly or rot. Gardeners need to maintain the ideal air temperature between 65 and 85°F. 

In extreme summer heat, the plant may stop flowering. However, as long as it is watered regularly, it can continue flowering and production when temperatures cool. Green bean plants can grow in any humidity level if they receive proper watering.

5. Fertilizer

Green beans are light feeders, so they do not need much fertilizer. However, they do help add nitrogen to the soil, so it is best to use a 10-20-10 fertilizer throughout the growing season. Before adding any fertilizer, gardeners must perform a soil test to check the soil's nutrient levels. Avoid fertilizers that are too high in nitrogen, as green beans do not need them. 

Harvesting Green Beans 

Green beans should be picked when they are young, tender for the best taste, and have no signs of damage. Here are a few of those signs:

• Straight and Firm: When gently squeezed, beans should be 4-6 inches long, straight, and firm.
• Crisp Sound: Check the beans by gently bending them in half to see if they break easily with a clear, crisp sound. It is a sign that they are ready. 
• No Bulging Seeds: Avoid beans with bulging seeds or those that are too stringy.

Harvesting Process

• Harvest regularly, at least every day, to encourage continuous growth of the beans.
• Use clippers or scissors to cut the beans off without damaging the plant.
• Check that beans are firm and not overly developed inside before harvesting.
• Pick beans in the morning to ensure they have the highest sugar content.
• Snap the beans gently to ensure they break easily, showing they're ready to harvest.
• Avoid beans with visible seeds to prevent them from becoming tough and stringy.

FAQs

Do green beans need a lot of space to grow?

No, green beans don’t need much space. Bush beans grow in compact plants, while pole beans grow vertically and need support like a trellis or stakes.

How do you store green beans after harvesting? 

After harvesting, store green beans in the fridge without washing them. If they came in a bag, leave them in it. If they come in a box, place them in a plastic or reusable bag. They can stay fresh for up to a week when stored this way.

Can green beans grow in heavy clay? 

Green beans can grow in heavy clay soil and withstand clay's moisture retention. However, gardeners can mix compost into the soil to improve its drainage. Raised beds or mounding the soil around the plants can also help avoid water buildup.

The Bottom Line

Green beans are easy to care vegetables that produce a raw, fresh taste throughout the year. Their oval leaves, multi-colored flowers, and edible structure make them a favorite among gardeners. 

With the proper trellis support and harvesting process, these beans grow quickly and taste delicious. Visit Growcycle to learn more about growing green beans indoors.

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.