Most beans are sensitive to cold and cannot tolerate frost, which is why it’s important to plant later on in spring.
Carrots Strawberries Cauliflower Eggplant Potatoes Peas
Combine a well-draining soil, such as silt or loam, with aged compost Amend a compact soil like clay with peat moss, manure, or shredded bark to help it drain better
Tomato cages can be purchased from most home and garden stores You can also find garden fence panels and pyramid trellises at many garden supply stores You can also make your own teepee or pyramid trellis by lashing bamboo stakes together[5] X Research source
Be aware that inoculation is an optional step for growing pole beans – it’s not absolutely necessary. To do it, soak the beans in warm water for five minutes. Drain the water and place the beans on a damp towel. Sprinkle them with the inoculant powder just before planting. [6] X Research source One common inoculant for legumes is Rhizobium leguminosarum, which can be purchased at many home and garden stores.
To plant in hills, use gloved hands or a spade to make small mounds of soil around the base of the teepees or poles. Make each mound about 6 inches (15 cm) around and at least 2 inches (5 cm) high. Space the hills 30 inches (76 cm) apart. Poke four 1-inch (2. 5-cm) deep holes in each hill, and place one bean in each hole. Cover the beans loosely with soil. To plant in rows, use your hands or a spade to build up the soil into long rows that are 30 inches (76 cm) apart. Poke a 1-inch (2. 5-cm) deep hole for each bean, and space the beans 4 inches (10 cm) apart. Place a bean in each hole and cover it loosely with soil.
When the beans have sprouted but aren’t yet developing pods, you can let the soil dry out between waterings.
Mulch will also help prevent weeds from growing in the garden. This is important because pole beans have shallow roots, and don’t do well when competing with weeds.
Weeding the garden bed is especially important in the first six weeks after planting. [10] X Research source
Beans deplete certain nutrients but also add nitrogen to the soil as they grow. Following beans with a plant that thrives in nitrogen-rich soil, like a member of the cabbage family (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and others), is a good idea.
Pods are ready for harvest when they are long, crisp, and firm. However, harvest the pods before the beans inside become plump and developed. Harvest beans from dry plants to prevent the spread of bacteria. If necessary, wait until the late morning or early afternoon so morning dew has dried. [12] X Research source
Fresh beans can be eaten raw in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes, or they can be cooked.
To freeze the beans, first boil them in water for three minutes. Then plunge them into ice water for another three minutes. Dry the beans completely and transfer them to sealable bags before moving to the freezer. [14] X Research source
