GARDEN IDEAS
Growing Green Beans
(from 'How to Grow Green Beans')
​
Although green beans have been cultivated for home use since the 16th century, string-less varieties weren’t really known until the turn of the 20th century. Most hybrids we buy now are string-less unless left too long on the plant.
​
Delicious green bean types include:
Runner Beans
French Beans
Broad Beans
And there are plenty of varieties of each.
​
Some bean plants grow as a small bush, others need to climb. Make sure you know what type you are growing as you may need to put up a structure if you have a climbing variety.
Thompson and Morgan (UK) have some fabulous varieties, including this purple climbing bean
Climbing Bean 'Blauhilde'
The colourful pods of Climbing French Bean 'Blauhilde' reach up to 27cm (11") and can be picked continuously over a long period from July to October
Healthy Reasons
Green beans are a good source of vitamins A and C, and Folate. They should normally be cooked before eating to remove any toxins in the skin.
​
Green beans have anti-inflammatory benefits and are also thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Beans are also high in protein and dietary fibre.
Growing green beans
Most everyday green beans will prefer a fairly sunny spot in the garden, and well-drained soil. Beans won’t do well in water-logged ground.
​
Before you actually start putting seeds in the ground, think about any support structures that may be needed for your plants. It’s very important that structures are in place before sowing seeds, otherwise seeds or young plants can be damaged when pushing poles or canes into the ground.
​
Generally, green bean seeds should be sown outside after all danger of a frost has passed. Again though, check your seed. There are many new hybrid seed varieties on the market every year that are tolerant to colder/warmer temperatures as well as various diseases.
​
Sowing a short line of seed every two or three weeks throughout the growing season will ensure a regular supply for many months. Beans tend to crop very quickly and very abundantly, so if you can spread out the sowing a little, you won’t be inundated with beans all at once!
​
Seeds sown outside should be watered regularly if needed, and all weeds should be removed. It’s a good idea to weed by hand because a hoe can damage the roots of bean plants, which can grow quite close to the surface of the soil.
Keep watered and weed-free and if the weather is kind, you should get a bumper crop of beans!
Download a growing guide now to get the most from your green bean growing - choose your preferred retailer here -