Beans

Select Your Climate
Beans

Green beans are the perfect summer crop. They’re quick and easy to grow and abundant producers.

When to plant/sow in zone:
Requirements: Soil temperatures between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius; frost-free conditions; sunny position; protection from strong winds.
Soil: Well drained, compost-enriched soil. pH 6-7.5; add lime or dolomite if soil is acidic.
How to start: SEED: Sow direct in the ground or into punnets into seed-raising mix. 25mm deep.Keep moist, not wet or the seeds can rot. Germinates in 4-7 days. SEEDLING: Plant outside when seedlings are 10cm+ tall. Space bush beans 10-20cm apart in rows 50cm apart, and climbing beans 5-10cm apart against a frame for them to climb. Water in and mulch with straw.
How to grow: Gradually increase watering once plants are established. Mulch with straw. Apply seaweed solution or liquid fertiliser fortnightly.
When to harvest: Start harvesting in 8-9 weeks (bush); 12 weeks (climbing). Towards the end of the season, allow pods to dry and save the dry beans for cooking with later.
Troubleshooting: Spider mite; white fly

Wondering what to plant when?

Use our planner to create a planting calendar for your climate zone
View Planting Guide