Contender beans are a robust bush variety prized for their excellent disease resistance and early maturity. These plants produce 6 to 7-inch long pods that are oval- shaped, tender, and great for both fresh eating and preserving. Contender beans are a solid choice for home gardens, offering dependable yields and flavorful beans that are easy to grow.
Key Features
- Disease Resistant: Withstands common bean diseases.
- Early Maturity: Great for short growing seasons.
- Dependable Yields: Reliable in home gardens.
Green Bean Sowing Guide
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.
