Growing Bush Snap Beans

These grow best with a constant moisture supply.

Snap bean varieties recommended for Georgia home Gardens include ones named "Extender", "Harvester", "Astron", "Early Harvest", and "Improved Tendergreen". All of these varieties will produce beans in about 55 days from seeding.

The snap bean is one of several types of beans grown in gardens. The bush snap bean is usually grown for its immature pod and is called several names including "snap bean", "string bean", "green bean, French bean", and "garden bean". Some types of green bush beans are harvested after the bean seeds mature in the pod and these are usually called "shelly beans".

Snap beans are a warm weather crop .

The seeds will not tolerate cold soils and the plants are killed by light frost. Snap beans do thrive when the nights are cool if the temperatures do not get below 50°. Day temperatures above 85° are not desirable since some bloom drop may occur.

Beans may be planted soon after danger is past and this day in the Middle Georgia area is about April 1st. It is best to make more than one planting of bush beans in order to have a continuous supply. Intervals between plantings should be 10 to 14 days. The last planting should not be made after August 20th in the metro area.

Apply small amounts of nitrogen.

Bush beans are medium feeders and do not require large amounts of nitrogen. A general recommendation would be to use 8 to 10 pounds of 6 12-12 fertilizer per 100 foot of bean row. Apply about 3 pounds before seeding and then make two side dress applications with 6-12-12 during the growing season, using 3 lbs. of 6-12 12 each time.

Bush beans are usually planted in rows 30 to 36 inches apart with the seeds spaced 2 to 4 inches apart in the row. Seed size will vary somewhat with variety. On the average, 1¦2 pound of seed will plant 100 foot of row. If beans seeds are to be planted early when soils are cool. It is best to plant seeds that have been treated with a seed protectant to help prevent seed rot. Bean seeds should not be planted too deep. About 1 inch of soil on top of planted seeds is sufficient.

Snap beans grow best when there is a constant moisture supply. Light, frequent irrigations are recommended during dry weather. Inspect bean plants frequently to determine developing insect and disease problems. Never work around bean plants when the foliage is wet. Follow spray programs recommended by your local Extension office.

Bean pods develop rapidly after the plants bloom. For snap beans, harvest pods when the bean seeds have just started to develop. Use care in removing pods to reduce plant damage. For "shelly beans", wait until the seed coats have become hard. Yields of beans can vary greatly from season to season but normally you will be able to pick bush beans 3 to 4 times. A good yield of beans for 4 pickings would be 50 pounds per 100 foot row.

For more information on growing bush snap beans contact your local County Extension Office.