Beans have been cultivated in the Americas for thousands of years, with common beans shaped by Indigenous growers in both Mesoamerica and the Andes before spreading into kitchens and gardens around the world. Today they are grown as compact bush plants or climbing vines, with varieties for crisp snap pods, tender shelling beans, and fully mature dry beans.
Direct sow beans into warm soil, give climbing varieties sturdy support from the beginning, and keep plants evenly watered as they flower and form pods. Pick snap beans often to keep plants producing, while shelling and dry beans are left on the vine longer to develop their full size and flavor.
Growing Guide
Timing
Sow most beans outdoors after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Cold, wet soil slows germination and can cause seeds to rot before seedlings emerge.
For a longer snap-bean harvest, sow small plantings of bush beans every 2–3 weeks while enough frost-free time remains for the variety to mature. Pole beans usually produce over a longer period and often need only one main planting.
Sowing & Starting
Direct sow seeds about 1 inch deep in heavy or moisture-retentive soil and up to 1½ inches deep in lighter, sandy soil. Space bush beans about 3–4 inches apart and pole beans about 4–6 inches apart, following the packet when a variety needs more room.
Beans generally grow best when direct sown because their roots do not benefit from transplanting. Where the growing season is short, start seeds in individual biodegradable pots about 2–3 weeks before planting out. Handle the roots gently and transplant only after the soil has warmed.
Install poles, trellises, netting, or other supports when climbing beans are sown so the roots are not disturbed later. Keep the seedbed evenly moist until seedlings emerge, but avoid saturated soil.
Returns details
Show customers how much time they have for testing your products
