Blue Lake Bush #156 Bean Seed

Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)

• Timing: Sow green bean seeds outdoors once the soil has warmed to at least 60°F, typically in late spring after the last frost date.
• Location: Choose a sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Green beans prefer well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
• Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, and work in compost or a balanced fertilizer to improve nutrient levels.
• Planting Seeds:
  • Sow seeds about 1 inch deep, spacing them 2-4 inches apart in rows.
  • Leave 18-24 inches between rows 
• Thinning: Green beans don't require thinning, as seeds are planted at a spacing suitable for mature plants.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 7-10 days. Once established, water evenly, providing about 1 inch per week, especially during flowering and pod development.

Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)

• Timing: Green beans are typically sown directly outdoors. However, if starting indoors, sow 2-3 weeks before the last frost date.
• Containers: Use deep pots or biodegradable containers to minimize root disturbance when transplanting.
• Planting:
  • Sow seeds 1 inch deep, placing 1 seed per pot.
  • Cover lightly with soil mix and water gently.
• Germination:
  • Keep temperatures around 70-75°F for optimal germination.
  • Expect seedlings to emerge within 5-7 days.
• Thinning: Not required if only one seed per pot.
• Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors once soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F and after the last frost. Plant seedlings 3-4 inches apart.

General Care Tips for Green Beans

• Sunlight: Provide full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and pod formation. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
• Fertilizing: Green beans are light feeders, often thriving without additional fertilizer if the soil is enriched at planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can reduce bean production.
• Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Mulching helps control weed growth and maintain soil moisture.