When is the best time to plant autumn beans?

In autumn, when beans enter the flowering and pod-forming stage, the temperature has dropped compared to summer. Such climatic conditions are more suitable for the growth of beans and help reduce the risk of flower withering. Additionally, beans grown in the fall tend to taste better than those grown in the spring. So when is the best time to plant autumn beans?

Autumn beans planting time

The best time to plant autumn beans is generally between August and September. The climate and humidity during this period are suitable for the germination of bean seeds and the growth of seedlings. It is not advisable to plant too late in northern regions, and no later than mid-September at the latest, so as to avoid low temperatures in the later period that affect the growth of seedlings. In the southern regions, it is not advisable to plant too early to avoid the high temperature and strong light in early autumn burning the seedlings.

Autumn beans planting method

1. Variety selection

Choose bean varieties that are resistant to cold and moisture and have strong flowering ability, such as Zuiyan, Purple Cowpea, Guizhi 28-2, and Four Seasons Green Cowpea.

2. Plot selection

Choose sandy loam with high terrain, deep soil, good drainage, moderate pH and no leguminous crops planted in it.

3. Land preparation and fertilization

Before planting, the land should be deeply plowed and base fertilizers such as decomposed farm manure, potassium sulfate, superphosphate, urea and borax should be applied.

4. Planting seeds

Direct sowing is the best method, with a seed rate of 1.25 to 1.5 kg per mu, a row spacing of 50 to 60 cm, a plant spacing of 8 to 10 cm, double rows, and 2 seeds per hole.

5. Field management

When the seedlings grow to 30 to 40 cm, bamboo vines should be inserted to guide the vines. It is appropriate to have about 4 vines per bamboo fence. Fertilizer and water management is mainly based on base fertilizer, supplemented by top dressing. Base fertilizer is applied when the beds are formed, and top dressing is applied in time according to the growth of the plants after flowering and podding.

Try not to water the plants as much as possible before emergence as the plant is not too dry. More water is needed during flowering and podding, especially in autumn when the temperature is high and the water evaporation is large. Water the plants in the morning and evening to regulate the microclimate in the field.

6. Take some key points

It will grow in 10-15 days after flowering and needs to be harvested in time after maturity. It should be harvested once every 2 days in the early stage and once a day when a large number of pods are formed.

The above is an introduction to the planting time and key points of autumn beans. When planting autumn beans, you can consider the climatic conditions in various places.