Snap Beans, both bush and pole, are commonly grown in Alabama. The bush type is popular because of its early maturity. Most bush snap bean varieties are ready to harvest about 50 to 60 days after planting.
Pole-type Snap beans require some support on which to grow. They also require a few more days to mature but continue to bear longer than the bush varieties. They usually require about 60 to 75 days from seed to harvest. Green beans reach their best stage of edible maturity when the seed within the pod is about one-third mature.
Beans will not withstand frost. Therefore, make the first planting after the danger of the last killing frost in the early spring. Beans planted in cold soils are more susceptible to seedling diseases. Make successive plantings of bush snap beans at 2 to 3 week intervals. Cease plantings when the beans are forced to mature under high temperatures, which cause poor quality.
Plant bush beans about 1 inch deep in rows 30 to 36 inches apart. Space the plants 2 to 3 inches apart in the row. Beans will not produce well when they are crowded. Spacing may be achieved by planting seed and then thinning as plants grow.
Bean roots grow close to the soil surface, so limit cultivation to the top 1 inch of the soil to prevent damage. Beans suffer from drought easily so provide adequate water throughout the growing season, especially at bloom and during pod setting. |
