Healthy Bean Plant

Plant bean plants in well-draining areas of the garden.

There are two main categories of bean plants -- pole beans and bush beans. Pole beans need to be supported, so that they do not lay on the ground. Bush bean plants stand upright and need no support. Though the types differ in how they grow, they both need generally the same growing requirements to be healthy.

When to Plant

Bean plants are warm-season plants, which means they can be harmed if planted before your winter's last frost. Once the soil has warmed up, you can plant bean seeds every two to three weeks before August. All vegetation should be removed from your bean plant's planting site. Weeds can impede growth by taking the soil's moisture and nutrients. The first 2 to 4 inches of top soil should be tilled to help the bean plants establish strong roots.

Spacing

Gardeners who space their bean plants too close can raise the risk of their plants contracting a fungal disease. Space bush bean seeds 2 to 4 inches apart from each other. Bush bean rows should be at least 18 to 24 inches apart. Pole beans need more space to grow. Plant your pole beans 4 to 6 inches apart from each other. Allow your pole bean rows 30 to 36 inches apart. When planting the bean plant seeds, they only need to be planted at a depth of 1 inch.

Bean Plant Care

Hand pull any weeds that try to encroach on your bean plants. Mulch around your bean plants to lock in moisture and prevent weeds interfering with their growth. In order for bean seeds to germinate, they must have moist soil. Water your bean seeds after planting and keep the soil moist. Avoid saturating the soil or your bean plants can become infected with a fungal disease such as root rot. The top of the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings.

Bean Plant Problems

Bean plants can encounter several diseases during growth. If you notice yellow or brown spots appearing on leaves, you plant may have contracted bacterial bean blight. Plants that have bacterial bean blight should be removed immediately from the garden area. Prevent the spread of the disease by removing their leftover debris. Bean mosaic diseases cause bean plant discoloration. You may see yellowing on stems and leaves. In addition, you bean plant will produce no pods. There is no cure for the disease, so the infected plants should be removed from the garden.

References

• University of Illinois Extension; Beans; Ron Wolford and Drusilla Banks
• University of Missouri Extension; Edible Bean Diseases and Disorder Identification; R. A. Meronuck, L. L. Hardman and H. A. Lamey, 2009