Bean Planting Time and Techniques

Green beans , as a popular household vegetable , are not only rich in nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, but also are an annual climbing herb that is mainly harvested in summer. Because of its high nutritional value, it is often referred to as the "meat of vegetables". Let's learn about the planting time and technology of beans .

1. Planting time

When planting beans in spring, it is usually appropriate to choose varieties that respond well to short days, have a short maturity period (about 55-60 days), and have strong cold resistance and low temperature tolerance. The best time to sow is usually between March and April, or during the Qingming to Guyu solar terms, depending on the rise in spring temperatures in the north and south. When sowing, ensure that the temperature is stable at above 13-15℃ to avoid difficulties in seed germination or seed rot and seedling death caused by temperatures below 12℃.

For summer beans, it is suitable to choose varieties that respond well to long days, have a medium to long maturity period (65-70 days for medium-maturing varieties, 75-80 days for late-maturing varieties), and are more resistant to heat and moisture. The sowing time is generally scheduled between May and June.

As for autumn beans, the planting time is mostly from early August to early October when the weather starts to turn cooler after the hot season. When choosing varieties, you can refer to the variety selection standards for spring beans.

2. Soil requirements

Ideal soil conditions for growing beans include elevated or flat terrain, good drainage and irrigation, full sun, and suitable soil quality. The soil should be deep, fertile, loose and breathable, with a neutral or slightly acidic pH value between 6.0 and 7.0. The preferred soil type is sandy or loamy soil that has not been planted with the same crop in the past 2-3 years and has no underground pests and diseases (such as root rot, wilt, etc.), or it is new land that has not been cultivated.

3. Fertilization preparation

During their growth, beans have greater demands for potassium and phosphorus, but relatively less demand for nitrogen. When applying base fertilizer before sowing, it is recommended to apply 3,000 to 4,000 kilograms of decomposed organic fertilizer, 30 to 40 kilograms of superphosphate (calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer can be used in the south), and 15 to 20 kilograms of potassium sulfate per mu. Alternatively, apply 3,000 to 4,000 kilograms of decomposed farmyard manure plus 20 to 25 kilograms of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer per mu. The amount of fertilizer should be adjusted appropriately according to the soil fertility.

For plots where the soil lacks molybdenum and boron, it is recommended to apply an additional 1 to 1.5 kg of borax , 150 to 200 grams of ammonium molybdate and 1 to 1.5 kg of zinc sulfate per mu when preparing the land and applying fertilizer to promote the growth of beans, increase the number of flowers and pods, improve quality and extend the harvest period.

4. Planting density

For open-air beans, it is recommended to plant 6,000 to 8,000 plants per acre, with a row spacing of 40 to 50 cm, 12 to 15 cm for spring beans, and 8 to 10 cm for summer and autumn beans, with 2 to 3 seeds sown in each sowing hole. After the seedlings emerge, thinning should be carried out according to the principle of "removing the weak and keeping the strong, removing the dense and keeping the sparse". When sowing under film covering, a planting pattern of 65 to 70 cm for large rows, 20 to 25 cm for small rows, and 40 to 50 cm for plant spacing can be adopted.

The planting density of different varieties of beans should be adjusted according to their growth habits. It is recommended to plant 4,000 to 5,000 plants per acre for climbing varieties, with a row spacing of 65 to 70 cm and a plant spacing of 20 to 25 cm; it is recommended to plant 4,000 to 5,000 plants per acre for dwarf varieties, with a row spacing of 50 to 60 cm and a plant spacing of 25 to 30 cm.

5. Build a trellis to guide vines

When the bean seedlings grow to about 30 cm or begin to stretch vines, a support should be built in time, and the new vines should be guided to the support in a sunny afternoon or morning to create a good spatial environment for the growth, flowering and podding of the beans.

6. Pruning and controlling branches

In order to promote more flowering and pod formation of beans, it is necessary to control the growth vigor of the plants and prevent excessive growth of stems and vines. After the beans grow to 30 to 35 cm, the side branches and side buds below the first inflorescence of the main stem should be removed, and the side branches on the upper part of the main stem should be topped and pinched. When the bean vines cover the entire support or the main vines approach the roof, the main stems should be topped and pinched to promote the growth of new side branches. The management of side branches should adopt the method of "pinching and topping when buds are seen".

In the middle and late stages of bean growth, old leaves, yellow leaves, diseased leaves and flowerless and podless or aging side branches in the middle and lower parts of the plant should be removed in time to reduce the ineffective consumption of nutrients, improve the ventilation and light conditions of the plant, and thus promote more flowering and pod setting.

The above is an introduction to the planting techniques and time of beans. When planting beans, you need to formulate a suitable management plan based on the actual situation of your own vegetable garden.