Steve Yoder
I'm Steve, a 30-something urban gardener fascinated by companion planting research. Growing up surrounded by greenery sparked my passion for gardening early on. I enjoy transforming my small backyard, experimenting with companion planting techniques and eco-friendly practices. Sustainability matters—I advocate for native plants and composting.
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In this comprehensive article, we will provide you with expert guidance on how to successfully grow beans in pots, whether you choose to do so indoors or outdoors. Discovering the immense benefits of cultivating bean plants in containers, such as convenience, space utilization, and versatility, can revolutionize your gardening experience.
We will delve into the world of container gardening and explore the best types of beans to thrive in pots, offering invaluable insights on their cultivation techniques, watering requirements, and optimal harvest time. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with all the necessary knowledge to embark on a rewarding journey of growing beans in pots, while reaping the numerous advantages it brings to both seasoned gardeners and enthusiastic beginners. So, let’s dive into this insightful guide and unlock the secrets to grow beans in pots in a successfull manner.
The Benefits of Beans
When it comes to the health benefits of growing beans in pots, you’ll be amazed at the nutritional powerhouses that green beans truly are. Not only are they incredibly low in calories, but they also boast a cholesterol-free profile, making them an excellent addition to any diet. Renowned for their high fiber content, beans are frequently included in various diet programs due to their ability to promote healthy digestion and support weight management. They also support meeting the daily protein needs.
Moreover, these versatile legumes are an excellent source of protein, assisting in meeting your daily dietary requirements for this essential nutrient. But the benefits don’t stop there—green beans are packed with an impressive array of vitamins, including A, C, K, and B6, ensuring a significant boost to your overall well-being. Additionally, they are rich in essential minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium1, which contribute to maintaining healthy bones and supporting various bodily functions.
Furthermore, beans contain valuable antioxidants that play a vital role in strengthening the immune system, providing further support for your overall health. By cultivating and consuming homegrown beans in pots, you not only enjoy the pleasure of fresh and flavorful produce, but you also nurture your body with an abundance of essential nutrients, promoting optimal health and well-being.
The Best Time to Grow Beans in Pots
If you grow beans in pots, planting is done in two time periods. To grow beans in pots you have two options. One of them starts at the beginning of March and the other starts in the second week of July. You can get the desired efficiency in both time frames. Since it is not a vegetable that requires a lot of water, it is very easy to maintain. How often and how much you have to water to grow beans in pots is described in the next sections.
We have another secret tip for you! Beans are very friendly plants and love the existence of neighbors. When you grow beans in pots you can add companions next to it to grow better and faster. That is why we have prepared a list of the best beans companion plants! Check it out:
How to Grow Beans in Pots
How do you Start to Grow Beans in Pots?
To grow beans in pots, first, soak the bean seeds in water for 2 hours. Then plant five to ten of these seeds in pots. After giving the life water, leave the green beans in a warm environment. In a short time of period, you will see that the seeds will start to germinate and you will be in the middle of the process to grow beans in pots.
Watering Beans in Pots
After the beans have bloomed and started to bear fruit, water them regularly every 4-5 days until the soil is full. Also, water your beans in pots after each harvesting process from bean sticks. This will help them stay hydrated for longer and keep them healthy.
The first shoots start to emerge within about 10 days. Quiet fast isn’t it? After this stage, you should not give too much water to grow your beans in pots. They need less water compared to the first hypercare phase. After those ten days, watering will be enough to moisten the soil every 3 days.
Usage of Soil and Sunlight
Beans like light, humus-rich soil, and a sunny, sheltered location2. Another point you must consider when you grow beans in pots is the type of your plant. In partial shade, French beans grow even better than runner beans. Make sure that the soil is garden soil, and if you add sheep manure, you will see seeds and sprouts grow faster. Obtain fine-grained sand from the nursery for the beans to be planted in the pots. To be productive, use soils with breathable properties and a PH degree of around 7.0.
After the sprouts grow well, you need to air the soil. Since beans are a climbing plant, you should ensure that they get support from the soil with a thin lath so that they can grow upright. Now you are ready to grow beans in pots! The last step is to choose the best beans. Let us have a look at this at the next section!
The Best Beans to Grow in Pots
Top Bush Beans to Grow in Pots
Contender: Robust, early ripening, and high-yielding. With very good threadless green pods approx. 16 cm long. The kernels are green, brown when ripe, and weigh approx. 0.20 grams. Approx. 52 days from sowing to harvest.
Triomphe de Farcy: A French bean with 20cm long pods, round in cross-section.
Triomphe de Farcy reaches a height of around 50cm. With the purple flowers, they look pretty anytime, even before harvest.
The kernels are chestnut brown with black markings, sometimes almost completely covered by the markings so that the basic color can no longer be recognized. Like most fillet beans, they are rod-shaped, elongated, and narrow.
Top Pole Beans to Grow in Pots
Blue Lake: Blue Lake is a green-pod, medium-early runner bean. The pod type is very similar to a French bean. The sleeve becomes approx. 14 cm long, is slim, round, and green. The pods are tender and of excellent taste. Blue Lake is equally suitable for fresh consumption and preservation.
For sowing, place 6 – 8 seeds around the bar approx. 2 – 3 cm deep. At a height of 15 cm, place the plants counterclockwise around the poles. The distance between the bars should be 80 cm. It loves loose and humus soil in a sunny and sheltered location, with even moisture.
Kentucky Wonder: The traditional American runner bean Kentucky Wonder is also known as “Old Homestead” or “Texas Pole”. It forms stringless, green, fleshy pods up to 20cm long with an excellent aroma and brown grain. The high-yield all-purpose bean has high resistance and is, therefore, suitable for almost every climate. It is equally suitable for fresh consumption, freezing, or for preserving.
Lazy Housewife: Lazy Housewife – for the ‘lazy housewife’ …. probably so named because the variety is stringless and therefore less work and is also quite productive and tasty. Both the beans and the dried seeds can be used.
References
- Palmer, S. M., Winham, D. M., & Hradek, C. (2018). Knowledge gaps of the health benefits of beans among low-income women. American journal of health behavior, 42(1), 27-38.
- Hussien, O. S., Abdullah, K. K., Al-Hilali, B. M. I., & Hussain, M. E. B. Impact of Growing Beans (Vicia Faba) In Saline Soil on Aldosterone, Angiotensin-1 Hormones, Urea and Creatinine in Local Rabbits Males (Oryctolagus Coniculus).