Beans (bush)

Direct seed bush beans into well drained soil in full sun once the soil has warmed above 16 degrees Celsius. We plant in early June in our zone 5 conditions. Sow 2.5 cm deep with the eye facing down and space plants 5 –7 cm apart in rows 45—90 cm apart. Bacterial inoculant will increase production. Pick frequently or sow fresh seed every 2 weeks until midsummer to ensure a continuous supply of tender beans. To harvest dry beans, allow pods to dry to a crisp on the plants and shell out the beans. They are dry enough to store when seed coats cannot be dented with your fingernail. 

(For soybeans/edamame. Space rows 30-45 cm apart. Harvest fresh beans for edamame when pods are plump with seeds and are starting to lose their bright green colour. For dry beans, harvest when 90% of the leaves have turned brown and dropped from the plant. Freeze the dry beans for 3 days to control storage insect problems )