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Beanology™ - Urban Farmer's Guide

Home > Gardener's Guide > Beanology

To ensure success in your garden, plant some beans (Fabaceae). Bean seeds are quite large and easy to plant. Within 60 to 70 days, you're bound to have some fresh beans to eat. The following list takes a look at the difference between bush and pole beans and their characteristics.

Bush beans: The bush bean plant will grow on a bush and tend to produce earlier crops, maturing all at once. The bush plant will generally grow no more than 2 feet tall and produce handfuls of beans at harvest. Depending on which variety you choose, the beans are green, yellow or purple. Most bean pods (part you eat) will grow to 6 to 8 inches at maturity, but you can harvest earlier and the pods will still have great flavor. If interested in growing a bush variety, we suggest the 'contender' which matures in approximately 51 days from seeding. A dependable variety for any weather conditions.

Pole Beans: The pole bean usually needs staking or something to grow up for support. They tend to produce later crops, that continue to produce all season long until first frost. A great pole bean is the 'Kentucky Wonder' which matures in approximately 66 days from seeding. A popular, heavy producing pole bean excellent for freezing or canning when pods are young.

Dried and Shell Beans: Dried beans are actually bush or pole beans. Dried beans can be eaten fresh but taste much better when they have been dried. Harvest these beans when the pods are dried and the plants are almost dead. These seeds can range from white to red and may have spots and stripes. Consider trying 'Navy' beans which mature between 85 and 95 days. Know for their great color and taste.