The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Climbing Beans with Video Tutorial

Oleh Anonymous 5:39 AM Post a Comment

Beans are an excellent addition to any garden, providing a variety of benefits such as improving soil health, fixing nitrogen, and producing delicious and nutritious pods. However, growing and climbing beans can be challenging for beginners. In this guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know about growing and climbing beans successfully, including video tutorials to help you understand the process better.

1. Understanding the Different Types of Beans

Before you start growing beans, it's crucial to understand that there are two main types: bush beans and pole beans. Bush beans are compact plants that don't need support or stakes, while pole beans require a trellis, fence, or pole to climb on. Additionally, there are various cultivars of beans, each with their unique characteristics, growth habits, and yields.

2. Choosing the Right Location and Soil

Beans need plenty of sunshine, warmth, and well-draining soil to thrive. Look for a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be loose, fertile, and rich in organic matter, with a pH level between 6.0-7.5. If your soil is acidic, add dolomite lime or wood ash to raise the pH level.

3. Planting and Caring for Beans

When planting beans, it's essential to follow proper spacing and planting depth guidelines. Bush beans should be spaced 4-6 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart, while pole beans require 6-10 feet of row space with plants set 4-6 inches apart. Make sure to water your beans regularly, especially during dry spells, and avoid overhead watering as it can lead to fungal diseases. Furthermore, beans are heavy feeders, so fertilize them with balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea once a month.

4. Supporting Pole Beans

Pole beans are vigorous climbers that require sturdy support to grow tall and strong. You can use various materials such as bamboo poles, trellis netting, cattle panels, or even recycled materials like pallets and ladders. When installing your support structure, make sure it's at least six feet tall, and the poles or netting are spaced 12-18 inches apart. Moreover, train your beans to climb by gently wrapping the tendrils around the poles or netting once they reach them.

Read Also

Trellis Beans — A wooden trellis for beans

5. Harvesting and Storing Beans

When your beans start producing pods, it's time to harvest them regularly, usually every two days. Pick them when they're young and tender, before the seeds inside swell too much and become tough. Use sharp scissors to cut the pods from the plant, taking care not to damage the stem or leaves. After harvesting, store your beans in a cool, dark place or blanch them and freeze them for later use.

6. Video Tutorial: How to Grow and Climb Beans

Here's a fantastic video tutorial by Gardening Australia that shows you how to grow and climb beans step-by-step. From choosing the right cultivars and preparing the soil to planting, caring, and harvesting, this video covers everything you need to know to get started.