How to Plant Green Beans: Complete Guide [Steps to Follow + Images]

Green beans, also known as kidney beans (although they are a different variety) are legumes , such as peas , lima beans , alfalfa or lentils , with a high content of proteins, minerals and fibers.

A large part of beans are characterized by being climbing plants . However, there are varieties known as low bush or dwarf, which have a moderate growth which makes them ideal for growing in confined spaces.

Also, beans are considered fast growing plants .

What do we need to plant low-growth green beans?

When should it be sown? The dates

The date varies depending on the area.  In temperate zones it is sown in March , while in areas where colder climates prevail, wait until early May.

Where do we plant? Lighting and temperature

They do best in warm and temperate climates, preferably with good sun exposure  so that the ground can warm up.

As long as the relative humidity is adequate, it withstands exposure to light and heat very well.

Sowing should be done when the soil temperature is above 10 ºC, the optimum soil temperature being between 15 and 20 ºC.

How often should it be watered?

They are very susceptible to the absence of humidity, but an excess of water can cause the loss of the harvest.

The optimal relative humidity during the first phase of cultivation is 60%, and subsequently it ranges between 65% and 75%.

When watering, the most important thing is  avoid waterlogging . So the ideal is drip irrigation .

How do we prepare the land?

They tolerate different types of soils, although the most recommended are light soils, with a siliceous-silty texture, with good drainage and rich in humus , but without traces of fresh organic matter.

 The optimal pH ranges between 6 and 7.5. 

Regarding nutrients, beans do not require fertilizers, since the plant is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the soil. If the soil is very poor, compost can be spread a month before planting.

They do not support transplantation well , so it is preferable to sow them directly.

As for rotations, the best is  leave an interval of two to three years  before growing green beans in the same space.

What are the most favorable associations?

The most favorable associations for the cultivation of low bush green beans are: carrots, cabbages, cucumbers, parsley, potatoes and tomatoes.

They should not be sown together with garlic, fennel, leek or onion . In general root vegetables.

How to sow low-grade green beans step by step

1. Clean the ground

 Extract weeds and leftovers from previous crops and all kinds of residues to ensure that the beans receive the proper amount of nutrients.

All plants must be pulled from the roots to prevent them from growing again.

2. Prepare the ground

Dampen the soil before planting green beans. This will prevent the seed from moving easily

Fertilize the soil. If the soil is very poor, you can spread compost a month before planting .

3. Put the seeds in the ground

Create grooves 2 cm deep, half a meter apart from each other. Later, plant 4 or 5 seeds to a depth of 1 cm  and cover them lightly.

Between each hole should be kept at a separation distance of 40 centimeters.

4. Place an organic mulch

To control weeds and keep the soil aerated and moist it is recommended lay an organic mulch .

5. Water frequently

Make sure the soil always stays moist,  but without producing puddles .

Continue watering the soil until the plants have four or five leaves.

6. Select the healthiest and strongest seedlings

The seeds will germinate between   7 and 20 days. If more than one seed has germinated in each hole, keep the strongest. To do this, do not pull on the weak, as you can damage the leaves. A simple pruning at ground level is sufficient.

If you sow in a protected seedbed or in a pot, when the plant reaches 10 cm in height and has between four and five leaves, it will be ready to be transplanted.

7. Protect your plants

 Use nets to protect your plants of pests and possible predators, especially rabbits and squirrels.

8. Strip your plants regularly

This practice improves the quality and quantity of production and reduces the risk of diseases, since it promotes adequate ventilation.

How to harvest low-grade green beans

They are harvested between  two and three months after sowing .

Harvesting is manual, when the pods are already formed, but without leaving them in the bush for long, as they acquire a fibrous texture.

As the plant is delicate, when harvesting we will try  do not damage the branches or the pods. 

To maintain good production, it is advisable to irrigate copiously after harvest.

Pests and diseases of low-grade green beans

Some of the most common pests and diseases that affect low-grade beans are:

Aphids

To combat aphids , potassium or biodegradable soap can be applied to the underside of the plants.

Red spider

To combat spider mites, a garlic and chili extract and / or neem extract can be applied ,  although if the plant is very affected, it is best to eliminate it to prevent it from spreading to other plants.

White fly

Spraying the underside of leaves with potassium soap to the 1% with distilled water or rain.

Anthracnose

To prevent it, we will try not to harvest if the weather is very humid. In the event that grow in wetlands, we can apply glue horse .

Powdery mildew

It is best to install a drip irrigation system and apply horsetail for prevention.

To learn more, read: Bean varieties .