Vermont Cranberry Bean Seed

Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)

• Timing: Sow soup bean seeds outdoors after the last frost date, once the soil has warmed to at least 60°F, typically in late spring.
• Location: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Soup beans prefer well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
• Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, incorporating compost or a balanced fertilizer to improve nutrient levels and drainage.
• Planting Seeds:
  • For bush soup beans, sow seeds 1 inch deep, spacing them 3-4 inches apart in rows.
  • For pole soup beans, sow seeds 1 inch deep, spacing them about 6 inches apart and provide a sturdy trellis or support structure, as pole varieties will climb.
  • Space rows about 18-24 inches apart for adequate airflow and ease of harvesting.
• Thinning: Not necessary, as seeds are spaced 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: Soup beans are generally sown directly outdoors. However, if starting indoors, sow seeds 2-3 weeks before the last frost date.
• Containers: Use deep pots to allow for root growth and minimize root disturbance during transplanting.
• Planting:
  • Sow seeds 1 inch deep, placing 1 seed per pot.
  • Cover lightly with soil mix and water gently.
• Germination:
  • Maintain a temperature of 70-75°F for optimal germination.
  • Expect seedlings to emerge within 7-10 days.
• Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors once soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F and after the last frost. Space bush plants 3-4 inches apart and pole plants 6 inches apart, providing support for pole varieties.

General Care Tips for Soup 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: Soup beans are light feeders. Enrich soil with compost 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.
• Supporting Pole Soup Beans: Pole varieties require a sturdy trellis or other support structure for vertical growth, improving air circulation and making harvesting easier.