How to Grow:
Bush beans can be planted as soon as the last spring frost has occurred until 10 weeks before first fall frost. In milder climates, bush beans can be planted throughout the summer, but in hotter climates it is best to switch to Southern Peas (Black-Eyed Peas). You can see specific dates for your location using our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web App.
Bush beans are planted 9 per square 1 inch deep. Unlike pole beans, these beans do not require a trellis. Bush beans will require full sun. Take care to notice what plants are around the area as well, see the companion plant section below. Once planted, it will take approximately 5-10 days to sprout. Make sure to keep light moisture during this phase. Increase watering as they develop. Try to avoid wetting the leaves to prevent disease.
Companion Plants:
Companion planting is a vital part of organic gardening. Companion plants assist in the growth of others by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, or providing nutrients, shade, or support. There are also plants that do not like being next to each other. Some plants get too tall and can provide too much shade for your plant. Sometimes certain plants attract the same pests, so it is important to try and separate these.
| Good | Bad | |
| Arugula | Herbs (such as Catnip, Marjoram, Oregano, Rau Ram, Summer Savory, Tarragon) | Chives |
| Beets | Kohlrabi | Garlic |
| Broccoli | New Zealand spinach (tetragonia) | Onions |
| Cabbage | Peas | Peppers |
| Carrots | Pole Beans | Rhubarb |
| Cauliflower | Potatoes | |
| Celery | Radish | |
| Corn | Squash | |
| Cucumbers | Strawberries | |
| Eggplant | Swiss Chard | |
| Flowers (such as Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Sunflowers) | Tomatoes | |
| Grapes | ||
See companion plants for 70+ foods in our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web app!
Pests:
Pests can be one of the most difficult challenges you face in the garden. We strive to grow food without the use of pesticide and luckily there are natural solutions for most of these nasty pests! The pests listed below are common ones for bush beans:
- aphids
- birds
- corn borers
- cucumber beetles
- cutworms
- deer
- groundhogs (woodchucks)
- harlequin bugs
- leafhoppers
- mexican bean beetles
- rabbits
- root maggots
- spider mites
- thrips
Learn more about how to manage pests and attract beneficial insects in our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web App!
Harvesting:
Bush beans will be ready to harvest in approximately 50-60 days after sprouting. Continually harvest to encourage more production. You can either harvest them young and tender as green beans or let them go to seed and harvest as dried beans. They’ll stop producing once the seed pods develop. Be careful not to break the stems while harvesting. Scissors help with this.
Cooking & Eating!
Learn more about growing over 70 different foods, including how to manage various pests in our FREE iOS, Android, or new Universal Web App!
28 thoughts on “Beans (Bush): How to Grow and When to Plant in Your Backyard or Patio Garden!”
Green beans are nearing the end of their season in the Northern Hemisphere. I actually prefer the pole bean types because I can get them to grow on string strung onto nails in a fence, where nothing else will grow. I would rather grow them there than is space that could be used for something else. They are good and crisp fresh from the garden wherever they grow, and are one of the most reliable of warm season vegetables.