How to Grow Kidney Beans

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Kidney beans develop best in a controlled environment which includes proper moisture and nutrient levels. Grown correctly, these plants can produce an excellent source of food for any family.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Prepare the soil by making sure it is rich in nutrients by incorporating compost and other organic material about a month before planting outside. The trench to plant seeds should be approximately 2 inches deep and the plants should be about 1 foot apart with rows 1 foot apart. Planting seeds should be done when other vegetables are planted or approximately 2 weeks after the last frost. In addition, it is important to keep plants protected if temperatures will drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Grow kidney beans in a sheltered area away from wind.

Step2

Support the beans either by wigwam or stakes. Bush beans simply need adequate space to flourish. Small dowels secured in the ground and tied with strong twine will allow for climbing beans to produce to the highest capacity.

Step3

Water plants daily as they develop, especially when flowers appear. The plants will also flourish with regular compost deposits. Keep a close eye on pests and disease to ensure a plentiful crop. Unfortunately once bugs eat the leaves there is not much that can be done. Be proactive and use natural pesticides and control plant moisture.

Tips & Warnings

Do not soak the kidney bean seeds before planting. This will promote disease in this particular plant, however it can be a good method for other vegetables.