Bush beans tend to mature more quickly. They are called “determinate” plants because they yield all of their beans at one time. The bushes grow up to 30-90 centimeters high. [2] X Research source Stick to bush varieties (like Henderson or Fordhook) if you’re growing lima beans in a pot. “Indeterminate” vine varieties mature more slowly, but they yield a better harvest per square foot, and they tend to have fewer problems with disease. On a pole, a vine plant can grow 2-4 meters high. Consider growing this variety in a small garden.

Consider using a biodegradable peat or paper pot. Lima bean seedlings can be delicate and difficult to transplant, so it is safest to use a pot that you can plant directly into the ground. Do not try to plant a clay or plastic pot into the ground, as this will limit the plant’s growth.

In the Midwest, lima beans are usually planted between May 20th and June 30th. [4] X Research source Make sure not to plant the seeds too early! They will rot in cool, moist earth. If you plant them too late, however, the high temperatures may interfere with pod growth.

Avoid high-nitrogen soil, and do not use a fertilizer that’s been infused with extra nitrogen. Nitrogen fertilization will make the plant grow lush leaves, but it may limit bean pod growth. If you don’t know the pH of your soil, do a soil test before you plant the beans.

Once the vine has “embraced” the pole, the plant should grow up and around the support without any further coaxing.

Spread mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture. This will keep you from having to water every day, as the hot season develops, and it should keep the weeds down. Frequent watering is especially important in the heat of summer. Seed pods can dry and crack when the climate grows too hot.

Sometimes, you can just spray pests with a water hose to get rid of them. You might also look into using insecticidal soap or diatomaceous earth to remove them.

Try to pick pods as soon as they’re ready. This will coax the plant to create new pods. Once you allow a couple of bean pods to over-mature, this usually triggers the entire plant to stop blooming and producing pods. [9] X Research source

Try blanching the beans, then freezing them. This is a safe way to store them for longer periods of time. For very long-term secure storage, shell and dry the beans. Store them in a cool, dry, airtight container, and they will last for 8-10 months.