How to Pole Lima Beans
Pole beans are beans that grow on a vine and must have a pole, trellis or other support to thrive. They also require a bit more time to bear mature beans, but when they start to produce, they will provide your family with fresh beans for longer than bush-type beans. Growing pole lima beans--also known as butter beans--will save some money on your family's grocery bill and provide a rewarding growing experience. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Stakes (at least as tall as the variety of lima bean will be at maturity)
- Hammer
- Seed lima beans
- Scissors
- Twine
Instructions
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1
Lay out garden rows 36 inches apart.
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2
Put a stake every 40 inches in your garden row.
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3
Drive the poles an inch into the ground using a hammer.
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4
Sow lima beans 2 inches deep in the soil, placing five to six beans in a hill at each stake.
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5
Thin seedlings so that they are 6 inches apart, cutting off seedlings at the top of the soil with a pair of scissors. Take care not to disturb nearby seedlings.
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6
Tie the plants loosely to the stakes with twine as the seedlings begin to grow.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Lima beans grow best in soil that is evenly moist and well drained.
Lima beans grow best in full sun.
When deciding how many lima beans to plant, the general recommendation is four to eight plants for each member of your household.
You can start lima bean seeds inside two to three weeks before the last frost date in your area.
In many areas of the country, you can grow a spring and fall crop of lima beans.
Do not soak lima beans before planting, and take care not to overwater. Too much moisture can cause bean seeds to crack and lead to poor germination.
Rabbits may harvest your beans before you get a chance. If you have lots of rabbits in your area, you may need to install a rabbit fence around your pole lima beans to keep the bunnies from eating the leaves of your plants.
