How to Plant Pole Beans

Bird's eye view of pole bean seedlings

Just like in the classic fairytale, Jack and the Beanstalk, pole beans are easy to grow. While they won’t magically grow to incredible heights overnight, once plants mature they can yield enough beans to keep you in fresh supply all season long. Pole beans won’t deplete your soil either; instead they will leave soil enriched with nitrogen.

Things You'll Need

• Gardening tools
• Poles
• Stakes
• Peat moss
• Organic matter
• Compost
• Mulch
• Pole bean seeds
• Water

Instructions

1. Pole beans grow best in moist, well-drained, partly shaded sites. Amend soil with peat moss, organic matter and compost. Add mulch to the planting area before you plant to help retain moisture.

2. Before you plant, install bamboo poles or aluminum stakes to support beans as they grow. As the plants get larger they will wind around the poles and attach themselves with their tendrils.

3. Sow two to three seeds in a mound for each pole and cover each hill with a handful of mulch. Pole beans require a lot of moisture for growth. Water frequently, especially as the plants begin to flower. If you planted beans in full sun do not let the soil around it dry out or let the plant leaves wilt as this can weaken the plant's ability to yield fruit.

4. As plants reach the top of the pole begin to snip off the ends. Cutting the end of the plant promotes side growth and encourages plant energy to flowering and bean pod development.