Category: Plants

Purple Green Beans are a particularly unique species of green beans. Just like the name indicates, these beans are purple as opposed to the common green colored green beans. Surprisingly, although they are purple when fresh, their color turns red when they are cooked.

This article is a brief guide into how to grow purple green beans, the steps to follow when preparing the soil and harvesting. This article also briefly discusses how these unique beans can be utilized after harvesting.

Purple green beans are also commonly known as the Royal Burgundy.

Health Benefits Of Purple Green Beans

Now, before we delve into planting purple green beans, let’s consider some of their nutritional and health benefits.

If you were not previously knowledgeable about purple green beans, you may be in wonder as to their nutritional benefits. Let us briefly consider some of its nutritional benefits:

• Healthy Weight: Green beans contain very low calories and virtually no fat and a very low amount of sugar. This means that if you are interested in watching your weight, you are very likely to benefit from green beans.

• Support Heart Health: Another key benefit of consuming green beans is that it provides huge support for your heart health. Green beans contain fiber which may help lower blood pressure and reduce the occurrence of heart inflammation. The low sodium content of purple green beans makes it even more ideal for heart support.

• High Protein Content: Green beans are renowned for containing very high protein. Protein generally helps to maintain healthy bones, hair, organs, and muscles in the body. A balanced protein intake is also essential to a healthy immune system.

• Vitamins and Minerals: In addition to the above, this plant is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and Vitamin E are all contained in green beans. Similarly, minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, potassium are contained in green beans.

• Other Benefits: There is a wide variety of other benefits to be derived from consuming purple green beans. These include cancer prevention; improved chances of pregnancy and fertility, healthy bones, amongst other benefits are attained.

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Growing Purple Green Beans

You should make sure to observe the following tips when growing purple green beans so as to achieve the best possible result:

• Warm Sunny Location: Very importantly, purple green beans like other varieties of green beans require a warm sunny location. The soil temperature should be between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Best Type of Soil: The best type of soil for growing purple green beans is organically rich loamy soil. The soil should be one with good water drainage. Ensure you prepare the soil by providing required nutrients, removing weeds, and moisturizing before planting your beans.

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• Preparing the Beans for Planting: Purple green beans must be prepared adequately before planting takes place. This is done by soaking the beans overnight in a bucket of cool or slightly warm water. Make sure to stir sufficient inoculant into beans before planting.

• Fertilizer Application: Since purple green beans are legumes, they usually fix the nitrogen content in the soil. As such, you should avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers. It is best to use a 10-20-10 fertilizer when growing purple green beans.

• Time for Planting: The best time to plant purple green beans is usually any time after the last spring frost date. At this time, the temperature of the soil has improved significantly.

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Planting Purple Green Beans

When planting purple green beans, make sure to do the following:

• Prepare Seed Beds: You should dig rows of about 18 to 36 inches apart on which the seeds will be planted.

• Dig Trench Down the Middle of Each Row: After making the rows upon which the seeds are to be planted, you should dig a trench right in the middle of each row. The prepared bean seeds should be placed 2 inches apart in the trench and thereafter the seeds covered with soil.

• Succession Planting: If you wish your harvest to be sustained for the duration of a long period of time, you should adopt succession planting. This means that all available rows should not be planted at the same time. You should spread your planting may be over a month.

• Water Consistently: Green beans require some moisture if it is to flourish. You should therefore water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not soaking wet. A total water supply of about 1 inch is required weekly by green beans for the duration of the growing season.

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Harvesting Purple Green Beans

Royal Burgundy beans also known as Purple green beans are usually ready for harvesting between 50 to 69 days. Knowing when to harvest and how to go about the harvesting process is key to getting the best possible nutrition from the beans.

You can harvest the tender young beans when they have grown to about 3 to 4 inches in length. At this time, they usually give out the best possible flavor.

The harvesting period usually takes between two to three weeks, thereafter, the plant stops producing the beans. There is no need to wait after time for more harvest. This is because continued care of the plant will only benefit the leaves, but will not yield any other harvest.

How To Store/Preserve Purple Green Beans

Eating Purple green beans after it is freshly harvested is no doubt the best way to enjoy most of the nutritional value.

To preserve the beans, you may decide to cook. This however is very likely to cause a reduction in nutrients like vitamin C. You may also decide to store purple green beans in a refrigerator after putting them in a plastic bag. You can preserve green beans this way for up to a week after harvesting.

Purple Green Beans: Final Say

So, what we have seen above are purple green beans which are one of the varieties of green beans. Although it has a purple color when fresh, it turns green when cooked. It has a lot of nutritional benefits when consumed also.

FAQ’s

Knowing how to harvest spinach goes a long way to impact the growth of the plant after harvest. Spinach is a really fast-growing plant, as such, it has the ability to yield quite a lot of leaves in a short time.

Growing spinach must be done with tact and with careful attention paid to the plant. The trick with growing spinach lies in making the plant last as long as possible, even after harvesting. This article gives you a guide on how to harvest spinach so as to keep the plant alive for a long period.

Before we delve into how to harvest spinach, let’s briefly consider how to grow the plant.

Guide On Growing Spinach

When growing spinach, ensure to take note and observe the following tips:

• The best time to plant spinach is during the cool weather- very early spring, late summer or early fall, and late fall through mid-winter.
• Ensure to space spinach plants about 12 inches apart in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. The plant should be prepared with the appropriate soil nutrient.
• You should check the soil moisture from time to time and ensure to keep it consistent.
• If you want to attain tender and very rapid leaf production, you should feed on a regular basis with water-soluble plant food.
• You should begin to harvest once leaves are large enough to be eaten, starting with the outermost leaves.

Harvesting Spinach – How To Harvest Spinach

Knowing how to harvest your spinach goes a long way to affect the lifespan of the plant. A convenient way to harvest spinach is to do so with scissors by cutting the leaves at the stem. This should be done by first focusing on the outer and older leaves first, and then gradually harvesting to the center.

Another method that may be adopted when harvesting spinach is to cut the whole plant off at the base instead of the stem. This method allows the plant to re-sprout and give you another partial harvest. You should ensure to decide when you intend to use the plant before harvesting.

If you want the plant to continue to flourish and last for long, you must take further precautions when harvesting. One of these is to ensure not to take more than 25-30% of a single plant at any point in time. This gives the plant room to continue to grow and blossom.

When harvesting baby spinach leaves, you should cut off individual outer leaves, but also ensure to leave the crown of the plant. Leaving this intact will allow the plant to regrow for a future harvest. You should halt after two harvests, and carry on the third only after the baby leaves are fully mature.

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When To Harvest Spinach

Knowing the best time to harvest your spinach also goes a long way to impact harvest and yield. Generally, the best timing for your harvest is dependent primarily on the type of green you are growing.

When you planted is baby spinach, they are usually ready to be harvested between 20 to 30 days after the seeds were sown. During this timeline, baby spinach leaves are still round in shape and very tender.

Where on the other hand, you are growing mature spinach, you may need to wait longer. The leaves will have to get thick, broad and in some varieties crinkled. These mature spinaches are usually ready to harvest between 38 and 50 days after planting.

Can You Plant Spinach In Succession To Aid Harvest Yield?

You may have wondered if Spinach is one of those vegetables that can be planted in succession, say for instance every week instead of planting at once. This is referred to as succession planting.

Succession planting of spinach seeds has been discovered to be the best way to maximize your harvest. When adopting this planting style, spread the sowing of the seeds out over several weeks. By doing so, you ultimately spread your harvest over a long period of time.

Planting And Growing Spinach For Best Harvest

You should do the following when planting and growing spinach so as to attain the best possible harvest:

• The seeds should be sown about 0.5 inches deep every 2 inches. You should plant in rows of about 12 to 18 inches apart.
• You should adopt succession planting if you wish to get the best possible result.
• Thinning should be done when seedlings sprout about 2 inches apart. The ideal spacing should be about 3-4 inches apart.
• Spinach does well with water, so water regularly and mulch so as to retain as much water in the soil as possible.
• The nutrient application should be done even as plants continue to grow. It is appropriate to add nitrogen fertilizer when the plant begins to grow so that the leaves can retain their green color.
• Spinach may get affected by pests and diseases such as leaf miners, bolting, leaf spot, Cercospora among others. You should therefore be very observant with your spinach and apply the appropriate pesticide when needed.

Preserving Spinach

It is very important to note that harvesting spinach requires some effort because of the nature of the plant. It is, therefore, best to harvest the amount of spinach that you will be needing immediately. By so doing, you don’t need to bother with preserving or storing the vegetable.

Where, however, you have a bumper harvest that cannot be consumed immediately, you can preserve the extra by freezing it in a sealed container or bags. By doing this, you may retain the nutritious and delicious taste of the harvested spinach for some time.

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Conclusion on How To Harvest Spinach

From the above, you would notice that growing and harvesting spinach is not an entirely difficult task to do. You must however pay very close attention when harvesting the plant. Harvesting the proper way may help elongate the lifespan of the plant long after harvest.

Harvesting may be done in different ways depending on the result you wish to attain. Planting, caring for and harvesting spinach is not difficult if these simple tips are followed.

FAQ’s

How far apart to plant bush beans is one question that may be on your mind as a grower. Beans are common staples we make use of in our various dishes and bush beans are one nice tasting beans variety. When it comes to growing bush beans it is pretty easy to grow particularly in a square foot garden.

Ideally, beans are of two types which are bush beans and pole beans and their differences mainly refer to their growing style. Then other several beans varieties come from these two types of beans.

When growing bush beans, they are inclined to spread wide as this is their growing style. They usually don’t require support, unlike pole beans.  But when it comes to their plant spacing, what is the ideal spacing for bush beans?

In this post, we will be discussing the question; of how far apart to plant bush beans. Now let’s get into this.

How Far Apart To Plant Bush Beans; Bush Bean Spacing

We know bush beans variety tends to grow by spreading. But what is the appropriate spacing for bush beans?

Even though bush beans plant grows in a compacted manner, you still need to space them appropriately for them to grow optimally and flourish.

So, when it comes to the spacing of bush beans, below is the spacing rule you should follow;

• Seed Spacing; When you’re ready to sow the bush bean seed, you should sow seeds about 3 inches apart. The seed should also be sown about one inch deep into the soil.
• Row Spacing; When it comes to the row spacing of bush beans, your plants should be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart.
• Container Spacing; For container spacing, the bush bean seeds should be spaced around 3 inches apart and at most 2 inches from the side of the container or pot.

Additionally, you can always check the seed package instructions for the appropriate plant spacing for your bush beans.

How Wide Do Bush Beans Grow?

The rate at which bush beans tend to spread wide will mainly depend on the type of bush bean variety. Some bush bean variety and their width spacing are;

• Contender – The contender bush bean that is heat-resistant is inclined to grow about 18 to 30 inches tall and wide. You can harvest your pods in around 55 days. They are resistant to the common mosaic virus (BCMV).
• Provider – This is a type of vigorous compact bush beans. They can grow up to 18 inches in height and they can spread to about 10 inches wide. Their root system is pretty strong. Harvesting of the provider beans should be ready in around 50 to 60 days. Provider beans variety is not only resistant to the common mosaic virus (BCMV), it is also resistant to powdery mildew and downy mildew.

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• Blue Lake 274 – This type of bush bean variety tends to grow 15 to 20 inches tall and spread to about10 inches wide. This makes them ideal for growing in pots or containers and also garden beds. The crop should be ready for harvest in around 50 to 70 days. The blue lake 274 is one popular type of bush bean that is determinate. It is a very high-yielding bush bean variety. These beans are resistant to the common mosaic virus (BCMV).

How Many Bush Beans Are In A Square Foot Garden?

Because bush beans tend to grow in a compacted or spreading manner, one can grow them in a small space and still get abundant yield. So, when it comes to a square foot garden, you can actually plant about 9 bush beans per square foot garden.

How Do Bush Beans Grow Successfully?

It is quite easy and straightforward to grow bush beans. It is crucial you provide your bush beans with optimal growing conditions to achieve great results.

So, below are some tips you can follow to successfully grow bush beans:

·         Soil

The bush bean tends to flourish well in clay or silt loam soil that is neutral or sparingly acidic with a pH of around 6 to 7. Therefore, we recommend you perform a soil test for your garden soil to find out the soil pH. Alternatively, you can make use of pH test strips and do the soil test yourself.

·         Sunlight

Bush bean plant will thrive well under full sun supply. Ideally, between 6 to 8 hours of direct sun supply daily would be great.  However, bush beans can still survive or tolerate some shade. But if you want a vigorous and more productive outcome, then you should provide them with full sunlight.

·         Fertilizer – How Far Apart To Plant Bush Beans

Fertilizer application may be quite tricky. This is because legumes such as beans don’t need too much nitrogen supply. They tend to make or fix nitrogen from the air. If you add excess nitrogen to the plant, it will enhance leafy growth rather than pod production. Hence, a fertilizer that is heavy in nitrogen should be avoided for bush beans.

You can use organic compost, worm casting, sheep manure, and so on to supply your bush bean plant with extra organic matter.

·         Climate

The ideal temperature to grow bush beans successfully with a great outcome is around 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

For germination to proceed successfully, the soil temperature must be around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, once the soil drops below 80 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re sowing your seeds, the seeds may rot in the ground even before they have the chance to germinate.

Therefore, if the weather in your area is cool, do well to wait until the temperature warms up before sowing your seeds.

·         Watering

Bush beans need good drainage and they also require constant moisture. Hence, maintain moist soil and not waterlogged or soggy soil.

How Far Apart To Plant Bush Beans: Final Thoughts

Bush beans are great vegetables to add to your garden collections and you will enjoy lots of benefits from them. They are easy to grow and they offer abundant harvest.

How far apart to plant bush beans is an important factor to put into consideration so you can enjoy the full growing benefits this plant has to offer.  We have talked about the spacing of bush beans in this post so do well to follow our guidelines on this.

FAQs

When to plant bush beans is what we will be looking into in this post. The green beans belong to the family of species called Phaseolus vulgaris that is also known as “common beans”. The many types of green beans have two different ways of growing which are “bush” or “pole.”

It’s the style of growth that distinguishes bush beans from pole beans. In this article, when to plant bush beans will be discussed extensively.

Bush beans are the type of bean crop that a beginning gardener can grow for a first-time trial. It is so because it is easier to grow. It is easier to maintain because it doesn’t require trellising.

The best time to start planting bush beans is during early spring which is after the last frost date in your area. This is because bush beans are warm-season crops. They thrive well under full sun.

Let’s take a further look into the step-by-step process of sowing. When to plant bush beans is also discussed here.

Bush Beans Plant

As their name implies, bush beans grow in a bush way, usually up to 2 feet tall. They don’t take up much space to grow. Bush beans plant doesn’t need trellis support to grow.

That is why bush beans are one of the best bean crops for beginning gardeners to try out. The most common bush bean varieties are contender, burgundy, and blue lake.

Plant only during the right season which is after the last spring frost date. Planting when the temperature is lower and when the soil is moist will cause the seeds not to germinate. This will eventually cause the seeds to rot.

Planting Bush Beans: When To Plant Bush Beans

The best time to begin planting bush beans is when the ambient and soil temperature is between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. So. begin planting once the temperature and planting conditions are favorable.

Also bear in mind the variety and the time it will take for the fruits to mature. Given that the last plantation produces fruits and matures before the first date of frost. But the bush beans take up to 50 to 55 days to produce.

So, to plant bush beans:

1. Choose a Right Spot – Choose a spot in your garden that faces direct sunlight for at least 6 to 7 hours daily. Bush beans thrive well under full sunlight.
2. Prepare to Start Planting in your Garden – Make sure the soil is rich in loam and organic matter. The soil should be like a shaft and not compacted. This will encourage draining and aeration.
3. Sow the Seeds – For planting in the same spot, plant the seeds one inch deep into the soil. Give them space of 3 inches apart. Also, give about 18 inches of space in the case of planting more rows. This gives the plant enough space to grow well. Don’t compact the soil when covering the seed. Cover the seed with soil lightly.

4. Water the Seeds – After planting, water your planted seeds lightly. This will help nourish your seed and give it a head start for growth.
5. Thinning the Plants – Thin your plants once you see at least two leaves sprout. Use garden shears to thin them. Endeavor to make sure each of the plants is 6 inches apart. Then watch your bean grow.

Growing Bush Beans: Tips To Successful Growth

Below are tips to grow your bush beans successfully;

·         Weeding – When To Plant Bush Beans

Don’t give weed any chance around your bush beans. Do this by removing weeds growing around your bush beans immediately you see any. Control weeds around your bush beans by putting mulch on the soil around the plant.

Adding mulch to the soil also helps to retain moisture in the soil. Remember the roots are shallow but mulch helps to keep them cool.

·         Watering

Growing bush beans requires keeping the soil moist evenly. Bush beans will stop flowering if you don’t water them when necessary. Water the plants with two to three inches of water every week.

Don’t sprinkle water on the leaves but rather water the plants at the base of your plants that have been infected with powdery mildew. It is also advisable to water you’re soil early in the morning. The sun will dry out the soil before it gets cooler at night.

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·         Don’t Use Nitrogen Fertilizers

Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are a no-no for bush beans. This is because bush beans add nitrogen from the air to the soil naturally. Using nitrogen-rich fertilizer will only make your plants grow more leaves and lesser bean pods.

·         Avoid Pests

Avoid pests around your bush beans by picking the insects when you see any. Spraying them with a hose is also another alternative.

Many types of pests target bush beans a lot. These are pests like Mexican bean beetles, aphids, and spider mites. Use non-abrasive pesticides like insecticidal soaps if the pests keep coming.

How Late Can You Plant Bush Beans

Actually, bush beans are one of the best types of green beans to plant if you’re considering planting beans late. The green beans stand as the best choice for late planting. This is because the green beans have varieties with a short maturity date.

Bush beans can be planted in midsummer with a good harvest, depending on the date to maturity chosen. Also, put into consideration the declining amount of sunlight on a daily as it gets to fall.

There are usually no issues of shorter days during mid-summer. But as the late planting season progresses, the day length starts to retrogress. Ideally, it takes 75 days till the first real threat of frost in your zone to have a successful late planting of beans.

Also, there are a lot of bush beans varieties that will mature around 60 days. Really tasty ones actually. Just make sure, according to the variety, you choose a date that is based on the average first frost date in your zone for your late planting.

Can You Plant Bush Beans In Winter?

From the above, we can answer the question of if you can plant bush beans in winter. Bearing in mind that bush beans are warm-season crops and cold-sensitive. Bush beans rarely germinate as quickly expected during temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

In most cases during frost, the bush bean seeds will rot before getting any chance to germinate.

Do You Soak Bush Beans Before Planting?

Lastly, you might have this question in mind “Do you soak bush beans before planting?”  No, it’s not ideal to soak bush beans before planting them.

It ruins their chances of germination because the seeds get starved of oxygen while being soaked in water. This damages the embryos of the seeds.

Conclusion On When To Plant Bush Beans

When to plant bush beans has been discussed in this article and we hope this information has helped enlighten you about this.

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