A lot of people prefer growing pole beans because they are more flavorful than the bush types. They also come in a wider range of colors and sizes.
Where to Plant Pole Beans
These beans grow best when they’re planted in rich soil and with plenty of sunlight. The place also needs a lot of moisture.
Planting the Seeds
The soil needs to be fertile and rich. Organic matter mixed in is required. Form a mound 6 inches wide and 4 inches high.
Plant five seeds in every mound or hill. Make sure there is adequate spacing for each hill that you plant.
Proper Care and Maintenance
As you start growing pole beans, remember to water it weekly. Increase it if the weather is very dry or hot. The germination will take place in a week or two.
When the plants get up to 3 inches, take out the two weakest seedlings. You can use scissors to thin the seedlings.
As the beans grow, train them on trellises and supports. It’s also a good idea to put a couple of inches of grass clippings at each pole’s foundation.
This will keep the moisture in place. It also discourages weeds from appearing.
Harvesting
You’ll know the beans are ripe when you can feel them inside the pods. Anyone who’s interested in growing pole beans should harvest only with dry foliage.
Plucking beans when the foliage is wet will lead to fungal disease. Collect the beans by pinching. Pulling might actually harm the plant, so be careful when you pick them off.
Try to harvest three times a week: this gives you the chance to get the best-tasting beans. By harvesting regularly, the plant will keep on producing them.
As a rule, beans should be eaten after they’re picked. But they can be stored for up to 10 days. Keep them in a perforated plastic bag. Store this in the fridge.
Using a Trellis or Tepee
Anyone growing pole beans should recognize its varieties. They come in green and yellow, with green being better known.
Whichever type you plant, it will grow to lengths of up to 9 ft. That’s the reason why a trellis is needed.
For the best results, put a stake in the ground. You can also make a tepee with 8 stakes. Now you just have to plant the seeds around each stake.
Sizes vary, but those with a 2-inch diameter and a height of 8 ft will be just fine. If you live in a windy area, you might want to increase its width.
You can also buy professionally made beanpole towers in gardening stores.
The reason why growing beans vertically is attractive is that it makes harvesting simpler.
This setup also lets the foliage dry more efficiently. At the same time, spotting sick leaves will be easier.
Growing pole beans seems like a lot of work, but it’s actually quite enjoyable.
After you’re done, you’ll be able to take a step back and admire your work.
