Two of the most common growth types of beans found in today’s home gardens are bush beans and pole beans.  Bush beans, as the name suggests, grow in a bush habit and need no support structure to stay upright.  They generally produce a flush of flowers followed by a crop of beans that are harvested over a period of two to three weeks.  After the main harvest span has passed, the bush bean plant will produce few if any more beans.  Some of the more common bush varieties used for growing beans are “Bush Blue Lake”, “Tenderette”, and “Contender”.

Growing pole beans, also as the name suggests, requires a support structure for the plant to grow on.  Pole beans grow in a vine type pattern and are well suited to growth along a fence, pole, or arbor structure.  The harvest season when growing pole beans is extended as compared to bush beans.  New flowers are continually produced on the vine allowing for beans to form over a longer period.  Two common varieties of pole beans are “Blue Lake” and “Kentucky Wonder”. 

Do you have a favorite variety of either bush or pole beans?  Use the comments section below to add your thoughts for others to benefit from.

Planting of beans in your garden should take place only after the danger of frost has passed in your area.  Seeds planted one half to one inch deep and kept moist until germination will do well.

Growing beans is one of the oldest and easiest garden endeavors your can participate in.  Good luck in your efforts and happy gardening!