How to Grow:
Bush beans can be planted as soon as the last spring frost has occurred until 10 weeks before first fall frost. In milder climates, bush beans can be planted throughout the summer, but in hotter climates it is best to switch to Southern Peas (Black-Eyed Peas). You can see specific dates for your location using our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web App.
Bush beans are planted 9 per square 1 inch deep. Unlike pole beans, these beans do not require a trellis. Bush beans will require full sun. Take care to notice what plants are around the area as well, see the companion plant section below. Once planted, it will take approximately 5-10 days to sprout. Make sure to keep light moisture during this phase. Increase watering as they develop. Try to avoid wetting the leaves to prevent disease.
Companion Plants:
Companion planting is a vital part of organic gardening. Companion plants assist in the growth of others by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, or providing nutrients, shade, or support. There are also plants that do not like being next to each other. Some plants get too tall and can provide too much shade for your plant. Sometimes certain plants attract the same pests, so it is important to try and separate these.
| Good | Bad | |
| Arugula | Herbs (such as Catnip, Marjoram, Oregano, Rau Ram, Summer Savory, Tarragon) | Chives |
| Beets | Kohlrabi | Garlic |
| Broccoli | New Zealand spinach (tetragonia) | Onions |
| Cabbage | Peas | Peppers |
| Carrots | Pole Beans | Rhubarb |
| Cauliflower | Potatoes | |
| Celery | Radish | |
| Corn | Squash | |
| Cucumbers | Strawberries | |
| Eggplant | Swiss Chard | |
| Flowers (such as Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Sunflowers) | Tomatoes | |
| Grapes | ||
See companion plants for 70+ foods in our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web app!
Pests:
Pests can be one of the most difficult challenges you face in the garden. We strive to grow food without the use of pesticide and luckily there are natural solutions for most of these nasty pests! The pests listed below are common ones for bush beans:
- aphids
- birds
- corn borers
- cucumber beetles
- cutworms
- deer
- groundhogs (woodchucks)
- harlequin bugs
- leafhoppers
- mexican bean beetles
- rabbits
- root maggots
- spider mites
- thrips
Learn more about how to manage pests and attract beneficial insects in our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web App!
Harvesting:
Bush beans will be ready to harvest in approximately 50-60 days after sprouting. Continually harvest to encourage more production. You can either harvest them young and tender as green beans or let them go to seed and harvest as dried beans. They’ll stop producing once the seed pods develop. Be careful not to break the stems while harvesting. Scissors help with this.
Cooking & Eating!
Learn more about growing over 70 different foods, including how to manage various pests in our FREE iOS, Android, or new Universal Web App!
Carrie Spoonemore, co-founder of “From Seed to Spoon,” stands as a beacon of inspiration for gardeners and health enthusiasts alike. Her journey alongside her husband, Dale Spoonemore, in creating a platform that demystifies gardening and promotes a healthier lifestyle, has made a significant impact on individuals around the globe. Through the “From Seed to Spoon” app, Carrie has dedicated herself to empowering people to take control of their health and environment by growing their own food.
With a profound belief in the power of gardening to improve mental and physical health, Carrie’s contributions to the Seed to Spoon blog reflect her holistic approach to wellness. Her articles often focus on the nutritional benefits of homegrown fruits and vegetables, organic gardening practices, and the mental health benefits of spending time in nature. Carrie’s expertise in health science shines through in her detailed discussions on how specific plants can contribute to a balanced diet and overall well-being.
Carrie’s passion for gardening is deeply intertwined with her commitment to family and community wellness. She frequently shares personal stories of how gardening has brought her family closer together, offering practical tips for involving children in gardening activities and making it a fun, educational experience. Her writing encourages families to explore gardening as a means of spending quality time together while learning about nature and sustainability.
In addition to gardening advice, Carrie’s contributions to the blog include insights into the use of technology to enhance the gardening experience. She has played a crucial role in designing the “From Seed to Spoon” app to be user-friendly, ensuring that users of all ages and backgrounds can navigate the complexities of gardening with ease. Her vision for the app is not just as a gardening tool but as a vehicle for change, inspiring individuals to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle by growing their own food.
Carrie Spoonemore’s presence on the blog is marked by her compassionate approach to teaching and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of gardening. Her work continues to inspire a community of gardeners to pursue a healthier, more sustainable way of living, proving that with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can become a gardener and advocate for their health and the planet.
28 thoughts on “Beans (Bush): How to Grow and When to Plant in Your Backyard or Patio Garden!”
Green beans are nearing the end of their season in the Northern Hemisphere. I actually prefer the pole bean types because I can get them to grow on string strung onto nails in a fence, where nothing else will grow. I would rather grow them there than is space that could be used for something else. They are good and crisp fresh from the garden wherever they grow, and are one of the most reliable of warm season vegetables.