In the world of growing vegetables there are two types of people: bean people and tomato people. Between them is a giant divide. Each year, as spring approaches, we again need to decide what side of the fence we sit on.
However, this is one occasion when fence-sitting is acceptable and actually encouraged. While there’s no hiding from the fact that we are fanatical tomato lovers, this doesn’t mean we turn our back on the bean. While most beans are runner varieties that will climb high on a trellis, there are still a number of more compact bush style varieties that produce well in a small-space garden, and are perfectly suited to pots. This makes maintenance a more manageable proposition.
Where we truly get rewarded for our fence-sitting is in the nitrogen-fixing quality of the bean, which leaves the patch primed for the cool-season brassicas to follow.
PLANTING
Sow directly to the patch at a depth 2-3 times the diameter of the seed. Give a thorough soaking after sowing and then avoid over watering before germination as bean seed has the propensity to rot.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and 3–4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter. Watering frequency may need to be elevated during hot weather.
In Pots: Water daily, in the absence of rainfall, for the entirety of its lifecycle. The best practice is to water in the morning, however on extremely warm days a late afternoon water may also be necessary.
MAINTENANCE
Add compost and some blood and bone. Sow seeds directly to the patch where you have previously grown brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
After one month thin out seedlings to a spacing of 30cm and mulch using sugar cane mulch to a depth 3–5cm.
After two months climbing varieties will need trellising. Even some bush varieties can do with some staking. This is also a good time to apply epsom salts to help with magnesium.
10 weeks from planting to encourage flower and then pod development, apply a dosage of liquid potassium.
3 months after planting pick pods when at a desirable size, being careful to brace the plant while doing so. Harvesting frees up energy on the plant to produce more fruit.
At the 5 month mark, if you have planted them in-ground, chop up the plants and dig them through the patch. This will help fix the soil with nitrogen for the subsequent crops.
HARVESTING
Time until first harvest: About 10–12 weeks
How to harvest: Pick beans when at a desirable size – depending on whether you are harvesting as string beans or inner pods – being careful to brace the plant while doing so. Harvest frequently, as it frees up energy on the plant to produce more fruit.
TIP
Once the plant is on the cusp of production, with flowers forming, pinch off growth tips to redirect energy to pod production.
