Looking to grow beautiful, healthy beans in your garden? This guide covers planting, spacing, watering, pest prevention, and harvesting for both bush and pole bean varieties.

QUICK FACTS

• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Warm, well-drained soil
• Planting: After last frost, once soil reaches 15°C
• Harvest: Continue harvesting until frost
• Suitable for Canadian growing conditions
• Follow seed packet instructions for best results
• Contact T&T Seeds for personalized growing advice

BEANS PLANTING & CARE

Beans are a productive and easy-to-grow crop available as either bush beans or pole beans.

Bush beans grow compactly and require no support, while pole beans climb and need trellising but typically produce higher yields over a longer period.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

• Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost—beans do not transplant well.
• Soil temperature should be at least 15°C for reliable germination.
• Bush beans: Plant about 2 in. apart in rows spaced 30 in. apart.
• Pole beans: Plant about 3 in. apart at the base of trellises or stakes.
• Plant seeds 1–2 in. deep (slightly deeper in sandy soils).
• Succession sow every 2 weeks to extend harvest until frost.
• Optional: Use a bean inoculant to improve nitrogen fixation and root development.

WATERING & MULCHING

• Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained.
• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Water regularly during flowering and pod development.
• Avoid wetting foliage to reduce disease risk.

FERTILIZING

Beans naturally fix nitrogen, so fertilization is usually minimal. If soil is poor, apply a light, balanced fertilizer after flowering begins.

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage leaf growth instead of pod production.

SUPPORT & PRUNING

Pole beans require trellises, stakes, or fencing for support. Remove yellowing or diseased leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease pressure.

HARVESTING & STORAGE

Harvest beans frequently while pods are young and tender to encourage continued production.

Fresh beans can be refrigerated for short-term use or blanched and frozen for long-term storage.

COMMON ISSUES & SOLUTIONS

Diseases:

• Powdery / Downy mildew: Prevent with proper spacing and good air circulation.
• White mold: Water at soil level and avoid overcrowding. Copper spray may be used preventatively before flowering.

Pests:

• Aphids: Can weaken plants and spread disease. Control with water sprays or End-All Organic Spray.

Companion planting:

Good companions include carrots, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, celery, corn, eggplant, kale, peas, potatoes, radishes, squash, tomatoes, strawberries, and Swiss chard.

Marigolds help deter beetles and nematodes and make excellent companions.

Avoid planting beans near onions, garlic, leeks, scallions, kohlrabi, basil, fennel, or sunflowers, as these may compete for nutrients or share pests and diseases.

READY TO START GROWING?

Browse our selection of high-quality bean seeds and get everything you need to start your garden today!

Shop now at T&T Seeds for the best selection of plants, seeds, and gardening supplies.

RELATED GROWING GUIDES

Explore more of our expert growing guides to expand your garden knowledge:

• Browse our complete collection of Vegetable Growing guides
• Check out our gardening tips for seasonal advice
• Discover companion planting strategies for better yields

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