When using plastics and row covers, plant 2-3 weeks before the last frost date for your area. Fabric row covers also protect young plants from frosts. Plastic mulches can help conserve water, provide some frost protection, and allow earlier planting and maturity. Beans fix nitrogen from the air via soil bacteria attached to the plant roots. Adding more nitrogen stimulates excessive leaf growth, delay flowering and reduce pod set. Fertilizationīeans do not require additional fertilizer if an all-purpose fertilizer and compost was applied at planting. Watering amounts depend on soil type and organic matter content. For dry beans, reduce water applications as the seeds begin to mature. Drought stress during and after flowering will decrease yield due to flower abortion and reduce pod size and increase stringiness. Water needs are most critical during flowering and pod sizing. Do not over water as wet soils promote root rot diseases and slow plant growth. Soil moisture levels should be maintained near field capacity. Waterīeans require regular watering throughout growth for best production. Plants climb naturally so little additional work is required other than construction of the supports. Wooden poles or other fencing materials make ideal supports for beans. Pole beans are climbing types that flower over long time periods thus yielding more when trellised. Most bean varieties are bush plants that do not need support during growth. Mulching the crop during the summer will reduce soil water loss and increase nutrient availability. Dry beans planted after July 1 generally will not mature in cooler areas of Utah but will produce mature seeds in the warmer regions of Southern Utah. Pole beans generally produce pods over a very long time period so one or two plantings are necessary each year. Bush beans require 50-60 days to mature depending on variety. Plant bush beans every 14-21 days until mid-July for continuous production throughout the growing season. No thinning is necessary if plant stands are too thick. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, spaced 2-3 inches apart, in rows 18-24 inches wide. Extra seed can be stored and used the next year. To plant 100 feet of row, you will need about 3-4 ounces of seed. Seedlings will emerge in 7-10 days when planted in soil that has warmed to 65-85✯. Start planting beans one week before the last frost-free date for your area. Plantsīeans are warm weather vegetables that require soil and air temperatures above 60✯ for best germination and plant growth. If you fertilize with compost, apply no more than 1 inch of well-composted organic matter per 100 square feet of garden area. If fertilizer applications are warranted, work the fertilizer into the top 6 inches of soil. Soil Preparationīefore planting, determine fertilizer needs with a soil test and then follow the recommendations given with the test report. Kidney, Great Northern, Pinto, Blackbean, Blackeye Peaīeans grow in all soil types provided they are rich in organic matter, well-drained, and fertile. Bean Typesīlue Lake, Greencrop, Gold Crop, Kinghorn Wax, Royal Burgundy, Slenderette, Strike, Tendercrop Most varieties will grow and perform well in Utah. Here is a partial list of varieties and plant types. Pod shape, size, and color vary among varieties. There are many good bean varieties for sale in local gardening outlets and through seed catalogs. Use fresh beans immediately for best quality. For dry beans delay harvest until pods are yellow and dry. Harvest when pods are plump and full but before seeds develop. Control insect and diseases if they occur. Organic mulches help conserve water, supply extra nutrients and reduce the need for weeding. Water stress will reduce yields and pod quality. Beans require regular watering particularly at flowering, so maintain soils near field capacity. Plant beans every 14-21 days until mid-July for a continuous crop throughout the growing season. When soils are above 60✯, space rows 18-24 inches apart and plant seeds 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart in the row. Incorporate some organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the soil before planting. All beans require full sun and fertile, well-drained soil for maximum yield.
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