What Do Bean Plants Need to Survive?

Beans are easy to grow under the right conditions.

Beans are among the most commonly grown vegetables in home gardens. While they are not as demanding as some other crops, beans should be grown under the best possible conditions for a bountiful crop.

Soil

They will grow in a wide range of soil types, but sandy loam is ideal. Bean plants thrive in soil that is neutral to slightly acidic, with an ideal pH between 6 and 6.8. Add manure, compost or other organic fertilizer to the soil before planting to help beans get the nutrients they need.

Light and Moisture

Beans need lots of sunlight, so plant them in a location with full sun exposure. Ample water is also important, but too much can be detrimental. The soil they grow in should be moist, but well-drained; excessively wet soil can prevent germination and suffocate the plant's roots.

Temperature

Beans grow best in a warm climate and are highly sensitive to cold temperatures. A hard frost can significantly damage or even kill your young bean plants, so do not plant them outdoors until all danger of frost has passed.

References

• Ohio State University: Growing Peas and Snap Beans in the Home Garden
• Purdue University: Growing Beans in the Home Vegetable Garden
• University of New Hampshire: Growing Beans