Beans - Bush Beans (seed pkg)

Beans will tolerate a wide range of soil types, but make their best growth in light, organic, and well-drained soil with a pH of about 6.5. Beans have a distinct dislike for cold, wet soils, so plant seed only after the soil has warmed to at least 16 C (60 F). Plant seed 2.5cm (1″) deep and 8cm (3″) apart in rows spaced 45 to 70cm (18 to 28″) apart. To ensure a continuous harvest, plant bush-type varieties every 10 days until mid-July.

One packet sows 6m (18′) of row, 250g (1/2lb) will sow 75′ of row. Keep beans evenly watered, particularly when the plants are in flower and when production of the pods start. Avoid the use of high nitrogen fertilizer as this will promote excessive foliage. To help avoid rust or blight diseases, avoid disturbing beans when the leaves are damp.

Adverse hot and dry growing conditions may cause flowers to drop. There’s not much you can do except keep vines watered and wait for better weather to return.