Navy
beans were enjoyed for centuries by the Mandan people of modern-day
North Dakota. The plants will typically grow to around 2’ tall,
producing many 5” pods that will yield 5 or 6 seeds each. The beans
are commonly used in soups, and though they do not have much taste by
themselves will take on other flavors readily and provide good
texture. Like most other beans, they should be direct-seeded about
3-4” apart and thinned to about 6” for growing plants. Great
Northern beans typically require between 65-90 days of growth before
harvesting and are cultivated as a dry bean.
Growing
Guide
Beans
generally do not respond well to transplanting, and are usually
direct sown around or just after the last spring frost. The most
important point about growing beans is not to plant them too early.
They will rot in cool, damp soil. Even so, many beans require a long
growing season of 80 days or more. To get an earlier start, you can
put down black plastic, to warm the soil.
Most
beans should be sown with the eye of the been facing downward, 1-2"
deep, approximately 4-6" apart, with 24" or more between
rows. The ideal site will be sunny, well-drained, moderately fertile,
and slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0). Additionally, bean plants should be
well-ventilated to promote proper development and deter mildew or
mold that can trouble plants. Beans should not be grown in the same
spot more than once every four years, and can be mutually beneficial
with corn, strawberries and cucumber. Avoid planting beans near onion
or fennel.
Plant
bush beans in either rows or blocks, with 4-6 inches between each
seed. Plant the seeds 1-2 inches deep and be sure to water the soil
immediately and regularly, until it sprouts. Pole beans will need
some type of support to grow on. Be sure the trellis, teepee, fence
or whatever is in place before you seed. Plant seeds at a rate of
about 3-6 seeds per teepee or every 6 inches apart.
MAINTAINING
When watering, try to avoid getting the leaves wet as this can promote fungus or other damaging conditions that beans can be susceptible to. Most types of beans are somewhat drought resistant, but check the surface of the soil frequently and water when the top layer has become dried out.
When watering, try to avoid getting the leaves wet as this can promote fungus or other damaging conditions that beans can be susceptible to. Most types of beans are somewhat drought resistant, but check the surface of the soil frequently and water when the top layer has become dried out.
Once
established, beans generally will not require fertilizing and will
generate their own nitrogen. However, if the leaves of young plants
are pale this is an indication of nitrogen deficiency and starts can
be fertilized with with fish emulsion or other natural nitrogen rich
fertilizer.
Bush
beans begin producing before pole beans and often come in all
at
once. Staggered planting, every 2 weeks, will keep your bush beans going longer. Pole beans need time to grow their vines, before they start setting beans. The pole bean crop will continue to produce for a month or two.
once. Staggered planting, every 2 weeks, will keep your bush beans going longer. Pole beans need time to grow their vines, before they start setting beans. The pole bean crop will continue to produce for a month or two.
Pole
beans may need some initial help in climbing. Keep the bean plants
well watered. Mulch helps keep their shallow roots moist. Long
producing pole beans will benefit from a feeding or a side dressing
of compost or manure about half way through their growing season.
HARVESTING
Harvesting beans is an ongoing process. You can start to harvest anytime, but gardeners usually wait until the beans begin to firm up and can be snapped. They are generally about as think as a pencil then. Don't wait too long, because beans can become overgrown and tough almost overnight. Harvest by gently pulling each bean from the vine or by snapping off the vine end, if you are going to be using the beans right away.
Harvesting beans is an ongoing process. You can start to harvest anytime, but gardeners usually wait until the beans begin to firm up and can be snapped. They are generally about as think as a pencil then. Don't wait too long, because beans can become overgrown and tough almost overnight. Harvest by gently pulling each bean from the vine or by snapping off the vine end, if you are going to be using the beans right away.
Depending
on whether the bean is a snap, shell, or dry variety will impact when
and how the bean should be harvested.
