Growing Beans - dwarf, also French beans, Bush beans

Phaseolus vulgaris : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P P P              

(Best months for growing Beans - dwarf in USA - Zone 8b regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 61°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 2 - 6 inches apart
  • Harvest in 7-10 weeks. Pick often to encourage more flower production.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, spinach, lettuce, summer savory, dill, carrots, brassicas, beets, radish, strawberry and cucumbers, tagates minuta (wild marigold)
  • Avoid growing close to: Alliums (Chives, leek, garlic, onions) Sunflower

Your comments and tips

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08 Feb 13, G Naidoo (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
What can you plant to keep snails away now
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15 Jun 13, Lesley (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I keep all my egg shells - dry them out in the oven and then crush and scatter them around the plants. (all plants) to keep the snails at bay. This Summer I forgot to do this and the snail invasion was horrendous! I don't know of any plants that would acheive this. Good luck!
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15 Oct 18, Tessa (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Lemongrass has silicone intheir leaves- nasty papercuts! So I chop n drop them when I thin them out :)
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07 Apr 14, Graham Pearl (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Tobacco Dust and Coffee... A simple Google search will let you know more.
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Showing 11 - 14 of 14 comments
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Growing Beans - over winter do not cover the soil with leaf matter where you are planning on growing your beans, this will encourage a breeding area for weevils, flea beetle, snails and slugs. Put out Yellow Sticky Traps at end or winter (late August) in the garden bed on a stick or on the fence close by to trap mite, thrip etc. Use potash & blood & bone in the bed prior to planting, check the pH if not done for 12 months. If you have a sandy soil use Dolomite for the magnesium. When plants have begun to flower use a side dressing of liquid manure or blood and bone to increase size of your crop. after 2 months put out fresh Yellow Sticky Traps. Water in the mornings.

- Lynne Jones

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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