Bean Growing Guide: from seed to kitchen

How to Grow Beans from Seed

The essential guide to growing beans from seed; with notes on germination, cultivation, harvest and even kitchen uses.

Seeds per gram (Sds/g): 3–5
Feed Requirements: Low
Optimal Germination Temperature: 15–19 °C

Growing Notes:

Position & Soil

Soil Type & Temperature:

Beans prefer warm, well-drained soil with organic matter dug through.
A minimum soil temperature of 15 °C is needed for successful germination—cold soil slows or prevents sprouting and can cause the seed to rot.

Sun Exposure:

Full sun is ideal.

Fertilizer & pH:

Beans are light feeders: too much nitrogen causes excessive leaf growth and delays pod set.
Incorporate compost or a small amount of balanced fertilizer into the bed a couple of weeks before planting.
Ideal soil pH is around 6.0–7.0.

Sowing & Germination

Sowing Times:

Sow after the last frost once soil temperature reaches at least 15 °C.
Bush beans, climbing beans, and runner beans can be sown at the same time; they will mature in succession.
Soybeans (a tender bean type) also require frost-free conditions and soil temperature above 13–20 °C for best germination. In cooler regions (southern NSW, Vic, Tas), sow up to the end of December; in warmer regions sow up into January.

Seeding Depth & Spacing:

Depth: 3–4 cm
Between Seeds: 5–10 cm
Between Rows: 60–70 cm
Thin to 15–20 cm once seedlings are established.
For climbing beans provide support (trellis, poles, strings) of about 2 m in height for climbing varieties.

Germination Tips:

Keep the seedbed evenly moist but avoid waterlogging.
Cold or saturated soil can delay germination and lead to poor stands due to seed rotting in the ground.

Cultivation & General Care

Watering:

Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during flowering and pod formation.
Avoid overhead watering late in the day to help reduce disease risk.

Feeding:

Go easy on nitrogen-rich fertilizers—excessive leaf growth reduces pod set.
Light compost or a balanced organic feed is generally sufficient.

Succession Planting (Bush Beans):

Sow short rows every 2–3 weeks for a continual fresh supply.
Bush beans often finish producing more quickly, so plan multiple sowings or sow with climbing beans (which mature later) if an extended harvest is desired.

Support & Wind Protection (Climbing Beans):

Climbing beans dislike strong wind; situate them in a sheltered spot or provide windbreaks.
Ensure sturdy trellises or stakes to prevent plants from toppling.

Potential Problems

Poor Germination / Early Rot:

Caused by cold, wet soils or excessive irrigation.

Pests & Diseases:

Generally low-maintenance, but be watchful for bean rust or aphids.
Avoid waterlogged conditions to reduce fungal issues.

Wind Damage (Climbing Beans):

Excess wind can batter vines; provide shelter or windbreaks.

Harvesting & Storage

When to Harvest:

Pick pods before the beans inside reach full size and become fibrous.
Bush beans often mature in one main flush. Climbing beans produce over a longer period—keep harvesting to encourage more pods.

Technique:

Snap or cut pods from the vine/plant gently to avoid damage.
Frequent picking extends the harvest window and keeps plants productive.

Post-Harvest Handling:

Use fresh pods within a few days for best taste and texture.
Excess beans can be blanched and frozen, or used in pickles and preserves.

Additional Tips & Notes

Bush Beans vs. Climbing Beans:
- Bush beans produce a quick, concentrated crop.
- Climbing beans yield over a longer period and are often considered more flavorful by many gardeners.
Soybean-Specific Tips:
- Sow after all danger of frost has passed.
- Warmer soil (>20 °C) speeds up germination considerably.
Flavour & Kitchen Use:
- Beans are delicious raw (especially when young and tender) or lightly steamed.
- Enhance with butter, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice—or use in stir-fries and casseroles.
Growing notes for Runner Beans.
Growing notes for Broad Bean.

By following these guidelines for temperature, spacing, watering, and harvesting, gardeners can enjoy a bountiful crop of fresh beans—whether bush, climbing, runner or the more specialized soybeans.