Beans take anywhere from 8 to 10 days to germinate and will be ready to harvest around 65 days after planting.
Materials you will need:
Grow Bags: Choose high-quality grow bags made of breathable, durable material such as fabric or polypropylene. The size of the grow bags will depend on the variety of beans you plan to grow, but a typical size might be 5-10 gallons for bush beans and larger bags for pole beans.
Potting Mix
Beans:
Supports (if growing pole beans)
Watering Can or Hose
Fertilizer
Mulch
Labels
To start growing beans in grow bags, fill the bags with the potting mix, plant your beans, provide support if necessary, and water and care for your plants as needed. Remember to follow the specific instructions for the bean variety you choose, as different types may have slightly different requirements.
Steps for growing beans in grow bags:
Select the Right Bean Variety:
Choose the type of beans you want to grow, such as bush beans, pole beans, or runner beans. Consider the space you have and your preferences.
Choose the Right Grow Bags:
Select high-quality grow bags made of breathable and durable material. The size of the bags will depend on the bean variety, but a typical size is 5-10 gallons for bush beans and larger bags for pole beans.
Fill the Grow Bags:
Fill the grow bags with a well-draining potting mix designed for vegetables. Leave about 2-3 inches of space at the top to allow for watering.
Plant the Beans:
Follow the planting depth and spacing recommendations for your specific bean variety. Typically, plant bush beans about 1-2 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart. For pole beans, plant them near the base of your chosen support structure.
Water Thoroughly:
Water the soil in the grow bags thoroughly after planting. Ensure that the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Provide Support (for Pole Beans):
If you're growing pole beans, set up your support structure (trellis, stakes, or bean poles) near the planted beans. Encourage the beans to climb the supports as they grow.
Mulch:
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, to help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Sunlight:
Place the grow bags in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Beans require ample sunlight to grow well.
Fertilize:
Beans are not heavy feeders, but they will benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost. Follow the recommended application rates on the fertilizer packaging.
Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the beans when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use a gentle spray nozzle on your watering can or hose to avoid disturbing the soil.
Pruning (Optional):
Prune or pinch the tips of your bean plants once they reach the desired height to encourage bushier growth and more bean production.
Pest and Disease Management:
Monitor your beans for common pests and diseases, such as aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Use organic pest control methods or treatments as needed.
Harvesting:
Beans are ready to harvest when they are young and tender. Pick the beans regularly to encourage continued production. Harvesting frequency will depend on the bean variety.
Labeling:
Use labels to identify the bean variety and the planting date. This helps you keep track of your plants.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow beans in grow bags. Remember to adjust the process according to the specific requirements of the bean variety you are growing and provide care and maintenance as needed throughout the growing season.
Companion Plants:
Companion planting can be a beneficial gardening strategy for beans, as it can help improve growth and deter pests. Here are some companion plants that work well with beans:
Corn (Three Sisters Planting): In the traditional Native American "Three Sisters" planting method, corn, beans, and squash are grown together. Corn provides a natural trellis for beans, and beans add nitrogen to the soil, benefiting corn. Squash acts as ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are excellent companions for beans. They deter aphids and other pests that can attack beans. The peppery taste of nasturtium flowers and leaves also keeps some pests away.
Marigolds: Marigolds emit a strong scent that repels various bean pests, including nematodes. Plant them around your bean rows or as a border to help protect your beans.
Potatoes: Beans and potatoes can be good companions when grown together. Potatoes can help provide some shade for beans during hot weather, and beans can help repel the Colorado potato beetle.
Carrots: Beans and carrots can be planted together. Beans can provide some shade for carrots, while carrots can help deter bean beetles and other pests.
Lettuce: Lettuce can be planted in the shadier areas of your bean rows, as it doesn't compete for sunlight. The beans' taller growth can provide shade for the lettuce, helping to extend its growing season.
Radishes: Planting radishes near beans can help deter aphids and other pests that may target your beans.
Cucumbers: Cucumbers and beans can be grown together with some benefits. Cucumbers can provide a bit of shade for beans and may help deter some common bean pests.
Strawberries: Strawberries can be a suitable companion for beans as they provide ground cover and help suppress weeds, which can benefit your beans.
Herbs: Certain herbs like basil, dill, and oregano can deter pests and improve the flavor of beans. Plant them in close proximity to your bean plants.
Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic can help deter aphids and other pests that might attack beans. Plant them around the bean rows or intersperse them with the beans.
Legumes do not grow well with beets, onions, peppers and sunflowers.
How do I fertilize my Legumes?
Once the plant is established, a top dressing of fertilizer before blooming will provide slow-release nutrients for it to feed on as it produces beans. Never apply fertilizer directly to the plant base because it can burn and damage the plant. Allow about two inches of space when placing the fertilizer.
What bugs attack Legumes and what gets rid of them?
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Even though aphids are considered minor pests of celery, they can be virus vectors. The soft-bodied adults put their needle-like mouths into plant tissue and suck the plant’s juices. While they are taking nutrients from the plant, these pests also insert toxins that affect the plant’s growth.
Aphids can be controlled with an insecticidal soap. Always spray plants in the early evening to reduce the chance of damage. Pay special attention to the lower leaf because that is where they usually are located.
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Thrips are small, slender, agile insects, rarely as long as 1/8 inch. They are commonly found in flowers of peas and beans but will also feed on leaves. Their presence in flowers at early bloom may result in poor fruit set due to pollination interference by thrips feeding.
Planting in aluminum foil that has been laid on the bed tends to repel thrips. Insecticidal soaps may give adequate control.
What soil pH is best for Legumes?
Most legumes like pH > 5.0 to a depth of at least 20cm. Acidic layers below 5cm adversely affect root growth, nodulation, plant vigor and the nitrogen fixation potential of acid-sensitive pulses.
How do you store Legumes?
Airtight, cool (below 75 degrees) and dry create optimal storage conditions for dry beans. Dry legumes should be stored in #10 cans for best long term results (up to 30 years). Food grade plastic buckets, Mylar bags, and PETE bottles are also good options. As beans age, their nutritive value and flavor degrade.
Interesting facts:
Beans are among the oldest of cultivated crops. The remains of some found in the Middle East may be 7,500 years old.
Legumes provide us with food, medicines, oils, chemicals, timber, dyes and ornamental garden plants.
Beans are high in fiber and contain a higher percentage of protein than most other plant foods, but they need whole grains to make them complete.
Medicinal uses for beans:
Beans not only serve as a nutritious food source but also offer some potential medicinal benefits due to their nutritional content and specific compounds. Here are some medicinal facts about beans:
Rich in Fiber: Beans are high in dietary fiber, which can aid in digestive health by preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. The soluble fiber in beans can also help lower cholesterol levels.
Blood Sugar Control: The complex carbohydrates and fiber in beans can help regulate blood sugar levels. This makes them a valuable food for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.
Heart Health: Beans are known for their heart-healthy properties. They are low in saturated fat and high in soluble fiber, potassium, and folate, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Weight Management: Due to their high fiber and protein content, beans can help promote a feeling of fullness, making them a valuable component of a weight management plan.
Antioxidants: Certain bean varieties, like black beans, are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants can have various health benefits.
Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that the phytonutrients in beans, such as flavonoids and tannins, may have cancer-fighting properties. They may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Nutrient Density: Beans are a good source of essential nutrients, including iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, which are important for overall health and can help prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Reduction of Inflammation: Beans, particularly black beans and other dark-colored varieties, contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Gut Health: The fiber in beans acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to various aspects of well-being, including immune function and mental health.
Blood Pressure Control: The potassium content in beans may help lower blood pressure. Potassium helps balance the effects of sodium, which can raise blood pressure.
Cholesterol Management: The soluble fiber in beans can bind to cholesterol in the digestive tract, reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed into the bloodstream and potentially lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Reduced Risk of Stroke: Consuming beans has been associated with a lower risk of stroke due to their positive effects on blood pressure, inflammation, and heart health.
Bone Health: Beans are a source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important for bone health. Adequate intake of these minerals can help prevent osteoporosis.
It's important to note that while beans offer these potential medicinal benefits, individual responses can vary, and beans should be part of a balanced and varied diet.