How to Plant Green Beans

Green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), also known as snap beans, don't make you wait long to see the fruits of your labor. In fact, they're typically ready for harvesting within 60 days of planting. Ensure the biggest green bean harvest by creating the perfect planting conditions for green bean seeds.

Green beans grow best when started from seed directly sown into the soil. Avoid starting green beans in pots and transplanting them. The plants likely won't survive the move.

For the fastest growth and the healthiest plants, choose the right place to plant green beans. They do best when grown in a spot that's shielded from hot, dry wind and in an area that receives full sun. The best spot should get a minimum of six hours of direct sun every day.

In general, a west-facing garden gets more afternoon sunlight while an east-facing planting site maximizes morning light. For the most sun exposure, choose a south-facing section of the yard.

Green beans are extremely sensitive to cold weather. Soil and air temperatures are critical. Wait to plant green beans until the last frost date in the region has passed. For the best germination rates, the soil should ring in at 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, while the air temperature should range between 70 to 80 degrees.

Once a sunny location has been identified and temperatures are warm enough to keep green beans happy, prepare the planting site:

Use a garden spade or garden fork to break up the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.

Remove rocks and debris.

Mix an inch of mature, well-rotted compost into the soil. Compost enhances the level of organic matter in the soil, increases aeration and drainage, and improves nutrient levels.

Fertilize the planting site. Apply a couple pounds of 10-20-10 fertilizer for every 10 square feet of soil surface. Mix the fertilizer into the top 4 inches of soil.

Now that the planting site has been fully prepared, sow the seeds. For bush green beans, plant the seeds 4 inches apart. For pole green beans, separate them by 6 inches. Regardless of the variety, bury each seed 1 inch deep.

If you're growing several rows of green beans, space rows of bush beans apart by 2 feet. Multiple rows of pole beans should be spaced 3 feet apart.

As a standard practice, some gardeners pre-soak seeds before planting them. Green beans are an exception. Never pre-soak bean seeds as doing so reduces germination rates.

Water the planting site once a day or as necessary to keep the soil consistently moist. The seeds should germinate within seven to 14 days. After the plants are a few inches tall and established, reduce watering to just once a week. Bean plants have shallow root systems. When watering them, use enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.