did you know?

Beans can be eaten at three stages of growth. Snap beans, also called green or string beans, are eaten in their pods while they're still immature. Shell, or horticultural, beans are removed from the pod and eaten when fully formed but still soft. Dry, or field, beans are left on the plant until the beans rattle in their pods.

general maintenance:

Thin seedlings 6?8 inches apart. Cultivate carefully, as beans are shallow-rooted plants vulnerable to root damage if nearby soil is disturbed.

pests/diseases:

Aphids, Mexican bean beetles, flea beetles, leafhoppers, bean rust, curly top and anthracnose may occur.

controls:

Use floating row covers to protect young plants from pests. Handpick and destroy beetles. To discourage anthracnose, space beans well to allow air circulation. Remove and destroy virus-infected plants. Rotate crops to avoid overwintering pests and diseases in soil, and do not handle plants when foliage is wet to avoid spreading disease.

how to sow/plant:

Amend soil with well-rotted manure or compost. Direct sow, 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart in rows spaced 2?3 feet apart, after danger of frost has passed. Beans do not transplant well, so starting indoors is not advised.

water and fertilize:

Keep soil uniformly moist but avoid overwatering. Water small plants with manure tea to encourage heavier yields at maturity. Excess nitrogen will result in vigorous green growth at the expense of bean production.

garden hint:

For higher yields, apply legume inoculant, available from most garden centers, at planting time.

features:

• Disease Resistant

garden uses:

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible (excellent for freezing or canning)