This publication is part of the Home Garden series.
Bob Westerfield, University of Georgia Horticulture Department
Technical Assistant: Adrianne Todd
- Types of Beans
- Planting
- Fertilization
- Watering
- Harvesting
- Problems
- Variety Selection
Green beans are one of the most popular vegetables for the home garden. Fortunately, they are easy to grow as well. Green beans are a warm season crop that can be planted as soon as the danger of frost has passed in the spring. Green beans grow best when air temperatures range from 65°F to 85°F. Soil temperatures should be at least 55°F for good seed germination. Air temperatures above 85°F can cause flowers to drop and slow production.
Types of Beans
Green beans come in three different types based on their growing characteristics. Bush beans are compact varieties that grow in a bush form and need no external support. They are great for raised beds and gardens limited in space.
Pole beans are similar to bush beans but grow in a vining manner and require some type of cage or trellis system for support. Pole beans can reach heights of 6 feet or more, so the support system should be strong and high enough to accommodate them. An advantage of pole beans is that they are easier to harvest; you don?t have to bend over completely to pick them like you do bush beans.
Half-runner beans are a cross between pole beans and bush beans. Half-runners can be grown without support but they spread out more than bush beans and need plenty of room to grow.
Planting
Green beans grow best in a well-prepared and organically amended soil. They should receive six to eight hours or more of sunlight every day for optimum growth. Green beans can be directly seeded in the garden and do not need to be started as transplants. Soaking seeds overnight in warm water will help speed up the germination process after they are planted in the soil. Most green beans do best when planted about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart in the rows with 3 feet between the rows. After planting, be sure to firm the seed bed with your hand, garden tool or cultipacker. This will help ensure good soil contact and better germination.
Fertilization
Green beans are legumes and don?t require a lot of fertilizer. Green beans prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of approximately 6.5. Soil test for a more accurate recommendation of lime and fertilizer needs. In the absence of a soil test, add 5 pounds of 5-10-15 fertilizer per 100 feet of row. Fertilizer should be applied at planting time and again after small beans begin to appear. Additional fertilizer can be applied throughout the growing season to keep beans producing until the summer heat takes its toll.
Watering
Irrigate beans immediately after planting. Keep the seed bed moist, but not soggy, for the first week until germination occurs. Reduce watering to once every three days after the first week. Water as needed after beans become established, usually about twice a week.
Harvesting
Green beans should be ready for harvest 45 to 60 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvest beans while they are still immature and not fully developed. This will produce a bean that is tastier and tenderer. To encourage the plant to maintain production, continue to harvest beans as they become ready. Beans should be stored in a cool, dry location and kept fresh for several days, or they can be canned for long-term storage.
Problems
Although green beans are easy to grow, there are a few problems that can occur. Insect problems include leaf beetles, aphids and spider mites. Disease issues include anthracnose, rust, powdery mildew and grey mold. Most of these problems can be prevented or controlled by using sound cultural practices and planting resistant varieties. Occasionally an insecticide or fungicide may be needed to control insects and disease problems.
Variety Selection
| Type of Bean | Cultivars |
| Bush Bean | Blue Lake 274, Gina, Kentucky Wonder, Roma II, Bronco |
| Pole Beans | Blue Lake, Kentucky Wonder, Dade, Kentucky Blue |
| Half-runner | Mountaineer, Volunteer, White |
Status and Revision History
Published on Aug 16, 2011
Published with Full Review on Aug 03, 2014
Published with Full Review on Jul 07, 2022
FAQs
Green beans grow best in a well-prepared and organically amended soil. They should receive six to eight hours or more of sunlight every day for optimum growth. Green beans can be directly seeded in the garden and do not need to be started as transplants.
Do green beans need a trellis to climb on? ›
Bush beans grow compactly (reaching about two-feet tall) and do not require extra support from a structure like a trellis. Pole beans grow as climbing vines that may reach 10 to 15 feet tall. Therefore, pole beans require a trellis or staking.
What not to plant next to green beans? ›
Do not plant beans near garlic, onions, chives, leeks, scallions, shallots, peppers, wormwood, fennel, or gladioli. Alliums such as garlic, onions, chives, leeks, scallions, and shallots will stunt the growth of the beans. Most plants dislike fennel, and it has an inhibiting effect on them.
What month do you plant green beans? ›
Green beans require warm soils to germinate and can't tolerate frosts, freezes, or hot temperatures so should be planted no later than August for a fall crop. Green beans pollinate and set pods best when the temperatures are in the 70s.
What is the best way to grow green beans in a garden? ›
Plant green beans in fertile, well-drained garden soil in a location that gets at least six to eight hours of sun per day. When planting varieties designated as pole beans, use a green bean cage, trellis or—as the name suggests—a pole to keep them off the ground.
How to train beans to climb? ›
Double row: the classic structure is to plant two rows of beans or peas about 1 foot (30cm) apart and to stick canes in each side, tying them together at the top with string. I often use this method and add an extra cane along the top with a supporting 'guy rope' string at each end to strengthen the whole structure.
How tall should a green bean trellis be? ›
When choosing a support for pole beans, think tall and strong. The best supports are at least 6 feet tall since the vines grow profusely. My favorite support is a series of four trellises that form an arbor and span a pathway between two of my raised beds.
Can I plant tomatoes next to green beans? ›
Companion planting can also help improve soil health and nutrient availability. For example, planting nitrogen-fixing plants like beans or peas alongside your tomato plants can help add nitrogen to the soil, which is essential for healthy plant growth.
Can peppers grow next to green beans? ›
Green beans prefer neutral soil, while peppers prefer slightly acidic soil. However, the green beans will tolerate pH levels down to 5.5 and grow just fine. If you are tight on space, and want to grow both peppers and green beans, you likely won't have any problems,' they add.
What do green beans like to be planted next to? ›
Growing Beans – Companion Plants
In addition to the Three Sisters (beans, corn, and squash), other plants that thrive alongside beans are cucumber, eggplant, radishes, marigold, nasturtium, rosemary, and potato, which deter pests and improve flavor.
You may think it's too late to grow all your favorite vegetables from seeds, but warm May temperatures have made the soil perfect for sowing seeds. Warm soil will allow for fast germination and growing plants! Good choices are summertime kitchen garden staples like squash, beans, cucumbers and melons.
What is the easiest bean to grow? ›
Fortunately, the common garden bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is one of the easiest vegetables to grow, even if it's your first garden. Sometimes called snap beans, garden beans are inexpensive seeds and fast growers, with some types ready in as little as 50 days.
What is the best fertilizer for green beans? ›
Green beans prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of approximately 6.5. Soil test for a more accurate recommendation of lime and fertilizer needs. In the absence of a soil test, add 5 pounds of 5-10-15 fertilizer per 100 feet of row.
Are coffee grounds good for green beans in the garden? ›
What Vegetables Like Coffee Grounds? Coffee grounds as a fertilizer can be used when growing vegetable crops such as potatoes, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, radishes, and beans. Root crops need magnesium and potassium, while nitrogen is indispensable for green crops.
How many green beans does one plant produce? ›
The average bush bean produces roughly a half-pound of fruit throughout an entire season. Climbing beans double that at nearly a full pound per season, but even so, you will want several plants to ensure a decent harvest. Direct sowing seed is the best and most economical practice for growing green beans.
Do all green beans need a trellis? ›
Bush beans grow compactly (reaching about two feet tall) and do not require extra support from a structure like a trellis. Pole beans, aka climbing beans, grow as climbing vines that may reach 10 to 15 feet tall and require a trellis or staking.
What is the best support for climbing beans? ›
Climbing beans need tall supports to twine up, which are best put in place before sowing or planting. The traditional method is to grow them along a double row of bamboo canes, 2.5m (8ft) tall, with 45–60cm (18in–2ft) between the two rows.
What can I use for a trellis for green beans? ›
FOR THOSE CREATING A BEAN TRELLIS NOT AGAINST THE FENCE
If you are not doing this trellis in a garden bed near a fence, I highly recommend getting two bamboo sticks per side, and creating an X / tee pee tip. You can tie them together with twine.
Do green beans need support when growing? ›
Most bean varieties are bush plants that do not need support during growth. Pole beans are climbing types that flower over long time periods thus yielding more when trellised. Trellises also make harvest easier. Wooden poles or other fencing materials make ideal supports for beans.
How do I know if my green beans are bush or pole? ›
The main difference is the one you can see. Pole beans grow tall and need a support such as a pole. Bush beans grow about one to two feet high in more of a bush shape and don't require support.
