Climbing beans, also known as pole beans or runner beans, are a productive and rewarding vegetable to grow. With lush foliage and abundant pods, they make excellent use of vertical space while bringing the beauty of summer to your garden. Follow these seven steps to ensure a bountiful bean harvest.
1. Prepare the Perfect Soil
Climbing beans thrive in sunny spots with at least 5-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They prefer moist, fertile soil with good drainage.
- Enrich the Soil: Add 5 cm of well-rotted compost a few weeks before planting.
- For Hot Climates: Create compost trenches in winter by burying kitchen scraps where beans will be planted. This improves soil fertility and water retention for hot, dry summers.
2. Sow Beans Successfully
Beans require warmth to germinate, so avoid sowing too early.
- Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly in soil temperatures above 7°C (45°F). Plant two seeds per support, cover with 2 cm of soil, and thin to the strongest seedling.
- Indoor Sowing: In cooler climates, start beans in pots filled with potting mix. Plant seeds 2-3 weeks before transplanting outdoors after the last frost.
3. Provide Strong Supports
Beans are vigorous climbers and need sturdy structures at least 2 meters tall.
- Support Designs: Use A-frames, T-frames, or teepees made from bamboo canes or metal arches.
- Pinching Tips: When vines reach the top of their support, pinch out the growing tips to redirect energy into flowering and pod production.
4. Water and Feed Properly
Climbing beans are water-intensive due to their tall growth and heavy foliage.
- Watering: Deeply soak the soil at least once a week. During hot spells, increase watering to 2-3 times per week. Aim water at the base of the vines.
- Fertilizing: Beans fix their own nitrogen but benefit from fertile soil. If leaves yellow, apply a liquid vegetable or tomato feed to boost nutrients.
5. Companion Planting for Pollination
Bean flowers attract pollinators, but you can enhance this by planting nectar-rich flowers like sweet alyssum, calendula, marigolds, cosmos, and nasturtiums nearby. These blooms also attract natural pest predators, improving overall garden health.
6. Protect Against Pests
- Slugs: Young bean plants are vulnerable to slugs. Start beans in pots to give them a resilient head start, and set slug traps if needed.
- Black Bean Aphids: These pests often cluster on fresh growth. Blast them off with water or rely on natural predators like ladybirds and hoverflies to control infestations. Regularly remove dead or diseased leaves to maintain airflow and prevent disease spread.
7. Maximize Your Harvest
Frequent harvesting keeps plants productive.
- Pick Young Beans: Harvest beans when they are young and tender to encourage more pod production.
- Check Often: Inspect vines regularly, including undersides of leaves, to ensure no pods are missed. Purple or yellow-podded varieties are easier to spot against foliage.
Climbing beans are a fantastic addition to any garden, offering beauty, productivity, and a delicious harvest. By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a summer of abundant and flavorful beans!