How to Grow Butter Beans on a Small Farm

Butter beans are more commonly known as lima beans.

Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are a staple of the American diet. They are high in protein and nutrition. Butter beans originated in the South and are most popular there. Like most beans, butter bean vines can thrive under the right conditions. Try your hand at growing butter beans for your table or to sell.

Things You'll Need

• Compost
• Shovel
• Butter bean seeds/seedlings
• Water
• Hoe

Instructions

1. 

   Decide whether you want to grow bush butter beans or pole beans.

   Decide whether you want to grow bush butter beans (Fordhook, Henderson, Eastland, Thorogreen) or pole/climber butter beans (Yellow, Christmas, King of the Garden, Florida). Your set-up will change slightly depending on your choice. Bush beans are recommended for easiest start-up and maintenance.

2. 

   Wait until after the last frost to plant.

   Plant butter beans after the last frost. Early May is the best time for planting in most areas. Nourish your soil by turning over the top six inches with compost. Your plot should end with 50 percent compost and 50 percent garden soil.

3. 

   Buy butter bean seeds from a reputable nursery.

   Buy butter bean seeds or seedlings at a reputable nursery. Plant the seeds or seedlings an inch deep, two to four inches apart, in rows that are spaced 18 to 24 inches. Beans enjoy space and do not grow well when crowded.

4. 

   Water butter bean seeds lightly after planting.

   Water the area lightly after planting. Butter bean seeds will fail to germinate if they get too much moisture. Water only until the soil is moist and maintain that level of moisture throughout the growing season. Seeds should sprout and begin to show within two weeks.

5. 

   Be ready to weed at least once a week.

   Clean the plot weekly with a hoe to keep weeds at bay. Butter beans have shallow root systems and do not thrive with competition or anything that disrupts their roots.

6. 

   August is harvest time for butter beans.

   Harvest butter beans in August when the pods are large and firm.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect your crops from deer and rabbits with fencing.

• Butter beans need consistent moisture to thrive but can be damaged by watering too much.

• Pole beans require a stake or trellis for growing.

• Leave beans in their pods until they're dry to produce more seeds for planting.

• Butter beans are cold sensitive and will suffer at temperatures under 55 degrees.

• Beans are prone to blights and bacterial problems if they're kept too wet.

References

• Gardening Know How: Growing Butter Beans in Your Garden
• University of Illinios Extension: Watch Your Garden Grow -- Beans
• The Gardener's Network: How to Grow Beans