How to grow beans
Garden beans, both snap and Lima, are
among the favorite vegetables for many people.
Some home gardeners will also grow dry beans
and edible soybeans. Types include pole beans,
bush beans, wax beans, French and Italian beans.
These garden beans can be grown in Michigan, a
major commercial producer of dry beans.
Types of beans
Bush bean varieties are well-suited for
smaller gardens and are easier to grow because
they do not need any support. They come in
green, yellow (wax) and purple varieties.
Romano (Italian) beans can be grown as
either bush or climbing beans that form large,
flat, stringless pods. They come in green, yellow different than field soybeans used for livestock
or purple varieties. Romano beans can be used feed. Edible soybeans have larger seeds, a milder
fresh like green beans or left to mature and be taste, and are more tender and and easier to
used like dry beans. digest. These soybeans are eaten when the shells
are green, and the soybeans inside are plump. This
French (Haricot vert) beans resemble green is similar to eating shell or pod beans because of
beans but have extra-slim, flavorful pods. They the stage of maturity when they are picked. They
can be found in bush and climbing varieties. They are traditionally cooked in boiling, salted water
may be eaten fresh or cooked. and then the tough outer pod is removed.
Pole beans or climbing beans can grow five Dry beans come in many kinds and colors.
to eight feet tall and their vines need support. The pods are grown to maturity and harvested
Both bush and pole beans are harvested when when the plants dry up at the end of the season.
the pods are expanded, before the beans are These include kidney beans, navy beans, pinto
visible inside. beans and black beans. Cannellini beans are
Lima beans, both bush and pole varieties, white kidney beans. Other varieties belong to
are grown like other shell beans. They are the heirloom or heritage category and have been
especially sensitive to cold soil and take longer to grown for more than 50 years. These include
mature than green beans. Smaller-seeded types Jacob’s Cattle, Vermont Cranberry and Dragon’s
mature earlier. Tongue, just to name a few.
Shell or pod beans are dry bean varieties
that are eaten when the beans in the pod are Growing beans
plump and mature, but still soft. They are shelled Beans do best in loose, well-drained soil
like peas because the pod is too tough to eat, with some organic matter and a soil pH of 6.5.
and then cooked. They need full sun -- at least eight hours per day.
Edible soybeans, also called Edamame Beans are frost-tender crops that need warm
(meaning “pods on a branch” in Japanese), are soils to germinate their seeds. Soil temperature
www.migarden.msu.edu
Originally developed by Lee Taylor and adapted by Gretchen Voyle. Revised by Linda Whitlock and Mary Wilson.
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at the time of planting should exceed 60°F. (Note Watering
this often does not occur until the end of May in Keep plants watered, especially during dry
Michigan.) Soil temperature is taken in the top weather. Be careful not to cause the soil to
inch of soil early in the morning before the sun become waterlogged. If possible, keep the water
has warmed the soil for the day. Plant seeds at at the soil level and off the leaves. Since beans
two-week intervals to guarantee harvests of fresh require warmer soils than many vegetables, delay
beans throughout the summer. Fresh beans, mulching until after seeds have germinated and
depending on the variety, grow to maturity in are growing well in early to mid-summer.
45 to 72 days. Most bush bean varieties can be
picked after 55 to 60 days. Do not pick beans
when plants are wet because then they are easily
Fertilization
Follow soil test recommendations, but only
bruised and diseases may spread.
fertilize lightly with nitrogen. Beans and other
plants in the legume family can get nitrogen
Planting from the air.
Beans are usually planted from seed. Follow
the directions on the seed package as to depth
and spacing. If growing climbing beans, be
Weed management
Controlling weeds around beans is essential
prepared to supply sturdy trellises or poles to
to getting a good crop. Weeds compete for
support the crop.
water, nutrients and sunlight. Hoe, cultivate, or
hand pull to control weeds.
Notes:
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach
their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height,
weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Jeffrey W. Dwyer, Interim Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only.
Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
WCAG 2.0 AA
