Phaseolus vulgaris, also called the common bean, is an aromatic perennial plant growing worldwide for its dried or unripe fruits or seeds. The family allomataceae, which includes cucumbers, peppers, squash, melons and tomatoes, has at least 5 varieties of this plant. It is one of the most commonly seen flowering plants in North America. The genus Solanaceae includes 22 genera of plants, including the popular bean. The family Allomataceae also includes coriander, mint, mints, cilantro, horseradish, ginger, garlic, gingerroot, mint, pumpkins, and winter squash.
Beans plant require favorable growing conditions to encourage their growth and yield a bountiful harvest. The key to successful gardening of any kind of crop, be it vegetables, fruits, ornamental flowers or plants, is early prevention, early detection, and early management. For beans this means providing a good growing soil, ample watering, protection from adverse weather conditions, and eliminating weed threats. In addition to the abovementioned elements, it is also important to train your seedlings properly, fertilize them well, harvest them promptly after the planting, and remove any weeds that may mar the appearance of the garden.
Planting Tip: Plant seedlings one to three inches deep. Keep the trellis at least four inches deep. This will provide room for the plant to develop a strong stem. Once the plant has sprouted and is spreading out well, you should now have a strong core of support supporting cells on which to grow the bean seeds. This core can be built up over the next few weeks as the plant emerges from the deep winter season.
Cascading Bush: To germinate young bean plants from seed, you should prepare a one-inch thick layer of dry soil in which to plant the seedlings. Germinating seedlings require at least two inches of direct sunlight per plant but can be planted in half sun or half shade conditions if not hot. Three to four shoots from the main plant bush should be protruding two to four inches from the main trunk.
Planting Tip: Carefully dig a hole that is one to three inches larger than the size of the plant in order to allow for proper spacing when the seedlings are planting. Four to six shoots from the main plant should be protruding two to four inches from the main trunk. This will provide room for the beans to grow up to six shoots and then turn into leaves. The central pole of the four-shoot will reach a maximum of six inches high and should be a minimum of two to three inches in diameter. The two-inch outer pole is often too small for the seedling to reach when they first sprout and should be replaced with a larger container or bedding plant.
Growing Tips: In order for the green beans to come to fruition, it is best to harvest after the second set of leaves has appeared. When picking, always pick the pod and leave the rest on the plant. This will encourage new growth as well as prevent the older pods from providing too much for you. Harvesting before the emergence of new shoots or leaves is also discouraged, since it will encourage the older plants to wither and die. The beans should be harvested when the pod-and-allophyte foliage appears, just before new growth begins.
Planting Methods: One method of growing a pole bean trellis is by using pruning, especially when used early in the season. The first cut should be made about six inches above the ground, and the lower end should be slightly lower than the upper end. This will encourage support for the larger stems, as well as allowing for better flavor and aroma. The pruned ends can be wrapped in burlap and tied to a stick to start growing new shoots.
Caring For: Although similar to other vegetable plants, the tall beans plant is not sensitive to too much heat, too much water, or neglect. A basic soil mixture consisting of peat moss, compost, vermiculite, perlite, and sand or perlite will work just fine. Be sure not to plant vegetables close together, since the beans may end up burning each other. Finally, ensure that you water regularly, and fertilize regularly with good quality nitrogen fertilizer.