Growing Bush Beans - Benefits and Instructions
Benefits of Growing Bush Beans
- Faster to grow to maturity than pole beans, do not require support
- Legumes are light feeders and fix nitrogen into the soil
- Nutritional Profile - high in fibre, antioxidants like Vitamin C, quercetin
- Dry beans store very well
- Use in: Salads, steamed vegetable as a green bean or harvest bean seeds for storage
Growing Instructions
Culture:
Sun Exposure: Choose a full sun location. Beans will grow in part sun but with less production,
Soil: Bush beans require soil pH of 6.5-7.5, and well-drained soil. . Beans are light feeders; compost or well-rotted manures worked into the soil at the time of planting is sufficient.
Moisture: Keep well-watered as drought will result in tough or woody roots.
Planting: Plant every two weeks, starting as early as soil can be worked until late.
Spacing: Good air circulation around plants is essential, especially for late shelling or dry type beans, as they are very susceptible to fungal diseases which prevail later in the season. Plant 4- 6 bean plants per square foot of growing space using Square Foot Gardening Method.
Sow seeds Direct after risk of frost when soil warms to 18-24˚C. Sow 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows 18 inches (bush beans) to 24 inches apart (shell beans). Reseed until mid-summer for a constant supply all season long.
Other Tips: Use inoculant at the time of planting to help boost soil fertility.*
(*Inoculant refers to a type of bacteria (Rhizobia bacteria) that grows on the roots of legumes (beans, peas, clover, alfalfa) to help produce nitrogen. Simply mix the inoculant in a bag with the seed until the seed is coated. Sow seeds and harvest an improved yield.)
Harvesting:
Use maturity days as an indicator. Harvest once the beans are smooth, firm and crisp. Keep plants constantly picked to ensure a fresh supply. Bean formation in the pod is a sure sign of over-maturity.
Storage/Preparation:
Beans are best pickled for off grid storage or stored dry in jars after the bean seeds are harvested
Companions:
Excellent companion for most vegetables except the onion family, basil, fennel, kohlrabi.