Planting time, location, neighbors & more

What types of beans are there?

French beans, runner beans and Fire beans differ u. a. in their growth. French beans grow up to 50 cm tall and need some space to spread out. Runner beans and firebeans grow on one Climbing aid upwards.

How does the location have to be designed for the bean cultivation?

• a sheltered bed in a sunny location in the garden
• Partially shaded locations are also suitable for bush beans and firebeans
• a sunny place for beans on the balcony

In which substrate do I have to plant beans?

Humus-rich, loose, sandy-loamy soils are well suited. Beans are suitable as poor eaters for crop rotation and can be grown on the same bed for several years in a row.

When is bean planting time?

Bean seeds and plants are sensitive to cold. With their sowing you should therefore not start before mid-May. A soil temperature of at least 10 degrees is required so that the germs can develop well. You also only place pre-grown plants in the garden bed after the ice saints.

Good and bad neighbors

• good neighbors: savory, cabbage, lettuce, radishes, celery, potatoes, strawberries
• bad neighbors: peas, onions, leeks, garlic, fennel

At what distance are beans sown?

Bush beans can be grown in rows or clumps sown will. When sowing in rows, you plant a seed 6 to 8 cm apart. Keep a distance of 50 cm between the rows. When sowing in clumps, 5 - 6 seeds are sown in a circle with a distance of 40 cm between the clumps.

Runner beans and firebeans are also sown in clumps at a distance of 40 cm from the next climbing rod.

How helpful is pre-germination of beans?

Pre-germination gives bean plants a head start in growth, as a consistent germination temperature can be maintained.

How long does it take from sowing to harvest?

It takes about 10 weeks from sowing to harvest. Early broad bean varieties are ready for harvest after just 6 weeks.

When and how are beans harvested?

• French beans will be available from July harvestedbefore the individual beans can be clearly felt through the pods
• By frequent picking, the harvest is possible until September
• Runner beans, when the pods break through smoothly, about 10 weeks after sowing
• Fire beans as milk-ripe fruits or fully ripe as dried beans, harvest between July and early October

Tips & Tricks

A crop protection net protects bean seeds and bean plants from bean flies, birds and cats.
Insect nets or white curtains are also suitable.