Growing purple bush beans in a home vegetable garden is a challenging task. Although it is an easy, quick plant to establish, once it has established itself, maintaining its health will be a challenge. Purple bush beans, also called pole beans, take a while for them to flower. They are very tolerant of partial shade and can tolerate some inclement weather conditions. The following are tips to help you better care for your purple bush bean garden.
Growing purple bush beans in southern states such as North Carolina requires a good amount of consistent sunshine and shade. The soil of the southern states is usually limestone or clay rich with a good balance of nutrients needed for healthy plant growth. Planting snap beans in containers will help them be easier accustomed to new conditions and can allow them to grow to a desired length faster. It is best to plant them in loose soil, but after they have been established it is fine to plant them in one specific type of soil.
When planting, be sure to stake the plants so they do not slip from their position. If possible, try to avoid planting in the same spot twice as that will affect the development of the plant. If you want to avoid planting in the same spot for several years, try planting in partial sun during the day and partial shade at night. Purple bush beans prefer a cool climate. After planting, water the soil slowly to keep the moisture level within the planting area. It is important to water the soil temperature rather than the quantity.
After planting, the purple bush beans will need time to begin producing berries. When harvesting, it is best to use a pair of shears to cut the seed from the end of the bean. This prevents the bean from being damaged by the wind. After harvesting, you can remove the pole beans easily, because they are small enough. Leaving them on the vine can cause the plant to become damaged.
The best time to plant purple bush beans is late in the fall or early spring, before the soil temperature begins to warm up. Pole beans need the sun to produce healthy berries but snap beans only need moderate amount of sun to harvest. You will have to experiment with planting times to find the best location for your particular species. With proper care, you can ensure that your crop yields will be high.
When planting, make sure to stake your planting area properly to avoid damage from birds and other pests. Once the purple bush beans come out of their protective shell, they are vulnerable to attack from birds, bugs, and rodents. You should stake your planting area so animals cannot dig under the pods for seeds. Hanging the pods to one side of the planting area will discourage animals from digging underneath.
When the plants start to appear in the spring, they will be fully developed and ready to be harvested. If you have selected pole or snap bean varieties, you will need to wait until after they have flowered to harvest. As the plants mature, they will begin to lose their leaves. The snap seeds can then be harvested as the plant matures.
While planting purple bush beans, you should provide them with plenty of water and shade. If you live in a location that does not get sufficient sunlight or if you are experiencing a particularly dry season, you may want to consider using a hydroponic system. This method allows you to grow beans indoors with only a small amount of effort. If you prefer to harvest your crops yourself, simply pick the beans up when they are ready to be harvested.