Beans

Growing beans in your vegetable garden does not have to be tackled by only those with experience. It may seem challenging at first, but growing beans actually is quite easy. As long as you know and provide the basic requirements for growing these crops, you will soon enough find yourself reaping from the wonderful, rewarding bounty with which they bring.

Ideal bean growing location

Beans prefer warm weather and should not be grown in cooler climates. These crops should be grown in sites receiving full sun in well-drained, fertilized soil. Preparing the soil with compost and manure before planting is highly recommended. Beans should not be planted until all danger of frost has passed, usually about a week after the last frost in spring.

Types of beans avaliable

Beans come in numerous varieties consisting of both bush and pole types. Deciding what variety of bean you want to grow and whether to grow the bush or pole type plant is important when you are planning your garden.

Green beans are probably the most widely grown in the vegetable garden. They adapt quite well to a variety of soil types, provided the location is in an area with good drainage. They are also available in both bush and pole types. When harvesting green beans, pick them once they have reached adequate size but do not allow them to over ripen. When they are too ripe, the pod becomes tough, and the bean will taste bitter.

Yellow beans only come in the bush variety. They are quite similar to green beans in all aspects with exception to taste and tenderness.

Lima beans, or butter beans, come in both bush or pole varieties. These beans are flat and rounded with a very distinct flavor. Lima beans should be planted a week or two later than other garden beans. Shell beans, or dry beans, come in a wide variety and typically are grown for the bean inside. Dry beans usually take longer to mature and are best when grown in warmer climates.

Navy beans are the most commonly grown dry bean.

Black-eyed peas, or cowpeas, are frequently grown for the bean inside as well and are common in the South.

Soybeans are extremely nutritious, which makes them quite popular for growing.

Peas are highly nutritious, tasty, and easily grown. Peas are more preferable in cool weather climates and should be planted early.