How to Grow Beans With Seeds

Beans are one of the most popular vegetables to grow, according to the University of Minnesota. Instead of buying pre-started bean seedlings in a nursery or garden store, save money by starting your beans from seeds. Unlike some vegetable seedlings, beans are relatively hardy and will germinate and grow quickly from seed. Though specific growing requirements vary slightly by bean variety, several general guidelines can make your bean planting adventure a success. Best of all, you'll typically enjoy your first bean harvest within a couple months of planting your seed.

Spade

Compost

5-10-10 fertilizer

Bean seeds

Water

Mulch

Prepare your garden soil in spring as soon as the last frost date has passed in your region. Choose a site in the full sun with rich,well-drained soil. Use a spade to loosen the soil to a depth of 6 inches, breaking up any chunks of dirt that are larger than a couple inches in diameter.

Apply 2 to 3 inches of aged compost and mix it into the top 4 to 6 inches of topsoil. This enhances the soil's ability to hold moisture and also increases its micronutrient levels.

Add a cup of all-purpose 5-10-10 granular garden fertilizer for every 50 feet of your future bean row. Mix the fertilizer thoroughly into the top couple inches of soil. This provides your beans with the nutrients they need to get established and grow vigorously.

Plant bean seeds only when garden soil and air are thoroughly warm. Bury each seed an inch deep. If you're growing bush beans, space bean seeds 4 inches apart. If you're growing pole beans, space them 6 inches apart. If you're growing more than one row of beans, space bush bean rows 2 feet apart and pole bean rows, 3 feet apart.

Water your garden well, moistening the soil to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Keep soil evenly moist until the bean seeds germinate, which typically occurs within two weeks.

Reduce watering once the bean seedlings have emerged, watering no more than weekly, using enough water to thoroughly wet the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches.

Spread an inch of mulch, such as compost or shredded leaves, around your bean seedlings once they're a couple inches tall. This helps keep the soil moist and also prevents weeds from sprouting up around your beans and competing against them for water and dirt.

Harvest your bean pods once the pods are plump and firm. Most common bean varieties are ready for harvesting within 50 to 65 days after planting. The specific time to harvest is listed on your bean seed packet.

If you're not sure when the last frost date is in your area, contact your regional cooperative extension office.

Provide sturdy supports for climbing bean varieties -- pole beans -- before you plant your seeds.