Beans are a staple crop of many cultural diets. They provide a lean source of protein along with fiber, vitamins and minerals. They aren’t just good for humans to eat though; beans form a relationship with bacteria in soil to help sequester nitrogen and restore depleted soils. They are also very easy to grow and are abundant producers!
Blue Lake Pole Beans
$3.00
Description
Season: Warm Season
Exposure: Full sun
Maturity: 70 days
Starting Seeds: Beans can be directly sown in the garden after the risk of frost has passed. For zone 5b (Lindsay area) this is typically around May 16th. However, rabbits, mice and other outdoor critters enjoy eating the seeds so you may want to start a few seeds indoors at the same time and transplant them out once they have their first true leaves.
Needs Trellising:Yes, provide some form of trellis for these beans to climb to increase productivity and ease of harvesting.
Spacing: Plant beans between 5 and 10cm apart for both bush and pole varieties. If planting multiple rows allow for at least 45cm between rows.
Fertilize: Beans don’t require much fertilizing as they sequester their own nitrogen. At the end of the season simply top up the garden with a good layer of compost.
Watering: Beans will require approximately 1cm of water each week. For a 1m row of beans aim for about 4 liters of water.
Harvesting: Beans can be harvested at almost any stage regardless of bush or pole variety. Green/yellow/purple beans are harvested when they are roughly 10-15cm long as they are very tender and can be eaten raw or cooked. Beans can also be left on the plants to dry for storage and winter use.
