Beans

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Phaseolus vulgaris

CULTURE:
Choose well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.5–6.8. After last frost date, sow seeds about 2" apart, 1" deep, in rows 20–36" apart. Optimum soil temperature for germination is 70–90°F (21–32°C). Plant when daytime soil temperatures average at least 60°F (16°C), or risk poor germination. Inoculants can increase yields. For a continuous supply, make successive sowings every 2-3 weeks through midsummer.

DISEASES:
Plow under or remove and compost bean straw in the fall to hasten destruction of most disease organisms. For Sclerotinia spp. (white mold) control, plant at wider row spacing to promote drying of plant leaves and soil. Practice a 3-year crop rotation. All our bush bean seeds are produced in areas known to be free of halo blight.

INSECT PESTS:
Mexican bean beetles and potato leafhoppers can be controlled with insecticides such as pyrethrin or azadarachtin.

HARVEST:
Pick regularly to encourage new pod set.