Pole or runner bean, bush bean, string bean

Phaseolus vulgaris

Fruits and Vegetables

Sow all beans after last expected frost, and protect should frost occur. Use an inoculant, as described in the Green Manures section. Pre-soak 1 hour, then sow bush or dwarf types 1" deep and 8" apart, or 4" apart in rows spaced 18". Optimum temperature 60-75F/15-24C, ample sun. Beans resent transplantation, which should be done early on a cool damp day. Rich soil with good drainage ideal for all beans

Pole beans like it cool: sow early in spring, again in summer in warmer areas, for fall crop, last sowing 3 months before first frost. Plant 5 or 6 seeds and thin to 4 per pole, poles about 12" apart, same depth as bush beans

Dwarf beans hate cold wet soil: sow with 50F/10C soil temperature or up, after frost danger has passed, 8" apart, and continue every few weeks until 2 months before first expected frost