Green Beans
Soil pH - 6.0 - Sow the seeds 1 inch deep, about 6 inches apart, in rows 18
inches apart. Beans do not do well in a wide row planting. They must have room
on either side for maximum production. Plant after all danger of frost has past.
Do not plant too soon! If the soil has not warmed sufficiently, the seeds will
rot in the ground before they germinate. For an earlier crop, place black
plastic over the row one week before planting. Slit the plastic with an X mark
every 6 inches and plant 2 seeds in each opening. Make sure the soil underneath
the plastic is thoroughly tilled. Use Rotenone or pyrethrum to control Mexican
bean beetles. Avoid overhead watering and do not handle plants when they are
wet.
Pole Beans - Till an area 4 feet by 4 feet. Incorporate compost into the soil
and cover the bed with black plastic. Make a teepee out of 3 to 4 poles and
stick into the bed. Cut a circle of plastic out around each pole. Plant 6 to 8
seeds around each pole, thinning to 3 plants per pole. Use a soaker hose to
water the bed. |
