This guide will show you how easy it is to grow beans, including when to plant them, where to plant them, and how long they take to grow.
Appearance and characteristics
Beans belong to the family of legumes, which includes other plants such as peas and lentils.
A green bean is an immature bean that is harvested before it has dried out on the plant.
Its length is anywhere from 3–10 centimetres long and about 1–2½ centimetres wide.
The colour of beans can range from pale to dark green, with some being yellowish-green.
They have crisp, juicy flesh and are slightly sweet-tasting. A green bean’s flavour is delicate, growing stronger when cooked.
How to grow beans from seeds
The easiest way to grow your own beans is to start with seeds. You can purchase bean seeds at most garden centres or online.
Bean seeds will grow best in well-drained soil enriched with compost, decomposed manure, blood and bone or other organic matter, and mulch. Aim for a soil pH level between 6 and 7.
They also need full sun, so make sure to plant them where they’ll get at least 6 hours of sun each day.
Beans should be planted in damp (not wet) soil so give it a good watering the day before in preparation.
Space plants 5 – 10cm apart in rows at a depth of 2 to 3cm.
How to care for beans
Water your beans regularly to keep the soil moist but do not over-water because they don’t like wet soil.
Overwatering is the biggest risk when caring for beans, especially when they are young. This is why it is so important to plant your beans in soil with good drainage.
If you’re having trouble keeping track of the moisture in your soil, there are a range of soil moisture meters on the market that may help.
Feeding is generally not required for beans aside from some compost and decomposed manure applied to the soil at the time of planting.