Generally, beans are an excellent food source that can be used as green vegetables and they have great nutritional benefits. One easy and simple garden crop to grow is the bush beans variety. But do you know if bush beans need a trellis for support? Keep reading for information on this.
Bush beans come from two types of beans which are pole beans and bush beans. Just as the name implies, these beans grow in a bushy manner. On the other hand, pole beans grow as climbing plants. But we will be focusing more on bush beans.
In this post, we will be discussing if bush beans do need a trellis. So let’s get right into this.
Do Bush Beans Need A Trellis?
The straight-up answer is no! Bush beans don’t require support such as a trellis. This is because bush beans will grow in a busy manner. They will majorly grow up to two feet tall and two feet wide, unlike pole beans that grow in a climbing manner.
Garden Beans
Garden bean includes
Bush bean is one excellent type of garden crop to grow especially for newbie gardeners. They are so easy to grow and you will get a return of bountiful yield. Also, the bush bean will not give you the stress of planting as they don’t require support such as a trellis.
Beans Bush: What Are They?
Bush beans are a common vegetable garden grown in most homes. Both bush beans and pole beans are scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgari so they are members of the same species.
We can further break down bush beans into 3 categories namely green shelling beans, snap beans, and dry beans. Green shelling beans have their pods tough thus, only the seeds are eaten. Snap beans are known as
David’s Garden Seeds Bean Bush Contender SAL1988 (Green) 100 Non-GMO, Heirloom Seeds
These bush beans are available in different colors varieties such as yellow, green, and purple. They are also available for varieties that are ideal for drying or shelling.
Bush beans will require little space to grow and lesser maintenance compared to pole beans. Also, the bush bean will take up less space in your garden.
Growing The Bush Garden Bean Seeds
Generally, all types of garden beans seeds should be planted after the danger of frost have elapsed. They require warm soil of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit to grow appropriately. They also require full sun for optimal growth.
If you have a cool spring weather experience, hold on a bit. Avoid planting too early when the soil is still a bit cold. This is because cold and dampness will slow down seed germination and may also cause root rot.
We also do not recommend germinating garden bean seeds indoors because they may not survive transplanting. This is because of their tender or fragile roots and the roots can be easily harmed while transplanting.
As we have mentioned, growing bush beans is very easy. It does not take as much time to grow as pole beans would and it will produce its beans on time.
To plant, bush beans use well-draining soil and soil rich in organic material. Bush beans usually emerge at once. Thus, we recommend staggering your seed planting every two weeks to help with a consistent harvest.
Use soil that is neutral or slightly acidic. The ideal pH should be between 6 to 7 ranges.
How To Plant Bush Beans
You should plant bush beans about 1 to 3 inches deep and 3 inches apart. If you’re using sandy soil to plant your bush bean, plant it a little deeper but don’t let it go too deep. When planting more than one row, the distance apart should be 18 to 24 inches.
The seeds of bush beans will begin to sprout after 6 to 10 days or about one to two weeks. Bush bean will take about 50 to 55 days to produce while pole bean will take around 55 to 65 days.
Care For Bush Beans
Bush bean does not require so much care once they begin to grow. But here are some things you can do to care for them as they grow.
- Watering should be done once per week and water in about 2 to 3 inches deep. Ensure you don’t miss their watering needs so they can keep flowering. You can water during the hot days to avoid over dampness of foliage.
- Always weed your garden but do this carefully so you don’t disturb the fragile roots of the bush bean.
- Bush bean does not require too much fertilization. But if you wish or if necessary, you can supply with fertilizer. Do this after the bean has germinated or after a heavy bloom and the set of the pod. The amount of fertilizer should be half the rate used for other vegetables.
Harvesting Bush Beans
Harvesting of bush beans can be done even before the pods are fully matured and when they are still fragile. This is usually about a week or two weeks after blooming. Also, ensure you harvest your beans from time to time so as to encourage continuous plant production. You can even make the habit of picking them every day.
When picking the bush bean by hand, gently hold the branch with one hand and pick the pod with your other hand. This is to prevent breaking the plant.
Storing
Bush bean can be stored in a tight-proof or moisture-proof container inside the refrigerator. You can as well can your beans. Ensure you keep your canning process safe and sterile.
FAQ’s
How can you trellis bush beans?
Trellising is a process of training plants to grow vertically instead of horizontally.
They give a more orderly appearance to the garden, which is important if you want to sell produce at market. If you want to grow something other than vegetables, however, trellis structures are not suitable.
If you’re growing cucumbers or beans (or tomatoes or peppers) on the ground, you can start by using a tomato cage. This is a simple structure that fits around the plants’ main stems and holds them up. You can buy them from garden centres, but if you want to make your own, you can use wood or bamboo poles, or you can just tie them together. Trellis structures are most commonly used in the vegetable garden.
The first year I grew them I did not know how to trellis them and had to wait until they were big enough to climb the wires.
How do you use bamboo?
What You Need:
-Bamboo stakes (they come in packs of 50 or 100 at your local home improvement store) -Ties (you can buy these at any hardware store, or you can make your own. I like to make my own ties. They are easy to use, inexpensive, and you can choose whatever color or pattern you want.)
-Trellising wire
-Scissors
-Gloves (I use rubber gardening gloves. They keep me from getting splinters)
What You Do:
Step 1 -Measure the distance between your bamboo stakes. Mine were spaced 8 inches apart. If you have a different spacing, multiply this number by 2. The length of your trellis should be twice as long as your bamboo stakes.
Step 2 -Cut the trellising wire to the length you need. Mine was 8 feet long. You can get away with a shorter length, but it is better to err on the side of caution when using wire.
Step 3 -Attach one end of the trellising wire to the first bamboo stake. I used a staple gun. This will prevent the wire from sliding off the bamboo stakes.
Step 4 -Attach the other end of the trellising wire to the next bamboo stake.
Step 5 -Repeat steps 2-4 for the rest of your trellis.
Step 6 -Tie your beans to the trellis with your ties.
What can I do if I didn’t trellis them in time?
I would suggest you prune the branches now. When they are grown up and have few leaves, prune them and keep them under control. This will give them more space and make them strong and healthy.
Conclusion On Do Bush Beans Need A Trellis
We have concluded that bush beans do not require a trellis because they will only grow wide and bushy. Pole bean on the other hand requires support such as a trellis.
Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.