Beans
Beans are an essential food in many cultures throughout the world. They are a relatively undemanding, attractive, and versatile crop to grow!
Plant care & info
Beans grow best in full sun (at least six hours of direct sun) in average, well drained soil. Most soils should be amended with at least 1” of compost before planting.
It is best to directly sow bean seeds when the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is about 60°F. Beans will either not grow or remain stunted in cold soil. You can always cover the planting area with black plastic to speed soil warming. In Portland, the planting window is mid May to mid August. For a continual harvest, plant bush beans every 2 to 3 weeks. A single planting of pole beans will bear all season. Cold tolerant fava beans are an exception to this schedule.
Seeds can be moistened before planting by rolling them up in wet paper towels and letting them sit overnight. For optimum production, roll moist seeds in bean inoculant. This will help the roots fix nitrogen. Inoculant is not necessary, especially if you have planted beans in the area before. Plant seeds 1‐2” deep in rows 18‐24” apart. In spring, a 1” planting depth will provide warmer soil. In summer, a 2” planting depth will provide better moisture. Be sure to provide a trellis or similar structure for pole beans at planting time.
Beans are not fond of transplanting, but if you must, disturb the roots as little as possible. Do not separate individual plants—simply plunk the whole root ball in the ground and water in with liquid seaweed to alleviate transplant shock.
Beans prefer lightly moist soil. Consistent moisture is essential during flowering and germination. Apply 1‐2” of mulch alongside the plants to help maintain moisture. Beans do not like overhead irrigation.
None necessary. If plants seem weak, provide a light application of liquid fish and kelp emulsion.
Filet beans are best before they reach pencil thickness. Pick snap beans (green beans) when you feel faint outlines of the seeds developing. Shell beans are ready when the seeds are full but the pods are still green. Dried beans are picked when pods are stiff and break open easily.
Shell your dried beans onto screens or baskets and dry in a warm, well ventilated area for a week before storing in an air tight container.
Cutworm can often mow down all of your seedlings in one night. Spinosad is an organic control for cut worms.
Damping‐off may be an issue if your new seedlings die. It occurs in conjunction with cool, wet weather. Wait for the weather to warm and replant.
Aphids often appear as a black coating on the undersides of the leaves and growing tips. One of the first signs may be yellow leaves. Sticky sap on leaves and stems, along with white aphid skeletons, can be quite prevalent. There are numerous sprays and control measures to help combat aphids.
Cucumber beetles will chew holes between the veins in the leaves. Some larvae will feed on the roots. Covering seeds with a floating row cover at planting can help. Pyrethrin sprays will also help control the population.
Flea beetles chew dozens of tiny holes in the leaves. For prevention, cover new seed beds with floating row cover until plants are 8” tall. Dust with diatomaceous earth or spray with pyrethrin.
Spider mite damage appears as yellowing leaves or white, pin-sized dots all over the foliage. Tiny red mites will be on the under sides of leaves, and webbing may be present along the main veins. Spider mites are most prevalent in hot, dry weather. Spray with insecticidal soap three times every 7 days. Predatory mites and pyrethrins are also effective.
Gray mold, also known as botrytis, appears as brown or white spots on leaves and new stems. These spots will then develop grey fuzz. It is common in cool, wet weather. Remove and destroy infected parts. Prevent further spread with a fungicide such as neem oil.
Mildews appear as white patches, preceded by reddish patches, on the leaves and stems. Both downy and powdery mildew are fungal diseases. First remove as much of the infected areas as possible. There are numerous fungicides listed for edibles, such as Serenade, that can prevent the spread of powdery mildew.
Bacterial blight also appears as a white growth (or water soaked spots) on the leaves. In this case, no mold will appear on the spots but it will continue to spread. Serenade may control the blight at the very beginning of infection. Otherwise, remove plants and start over in a new area.
Rust is a fungus that appears as rusty orange blisters on the leaves and sometimes pods. If possible, remove all infected parts of the plant and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides such as Serenade and Fung‐onil will help prevent the spread of the fungus.
Anthracnose shows as dark streaks or dark, sunken spots on foliage. It is a fungal disease. Destroy infected plants. Prevent the fungus by avoiding overhead irrigation. Spraying with sulfur will slow the spread. Clean up all crop remains to prevent fungus from overwintering in the area.
Root rot may appear as pale and yellowing leaves—or as stunted plants. Roots will be brown, with possible sunken red spots at the base of the stem near the soil level. It is a soil fungus initiated by overwatering and/or very heavy soil. There is no recovery from root rot. Amend soil with at least 2” of compost and allow the area to become slightly dry to avoid root rot.
Generally speaking, bush beans are easier to grow and best for the beginning gardener. Pole beans are extra fun and can be grown onto a trellis or other structure. The plants are also great for the soil due to their ability to fix nitrogen.
