When to Plant and Harvest Bean
Climbing bean producing beans over an extended harvest season on tall vines
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.2. Lime if a soil test reads below 6.0. Keep it within 6.0 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
How many to grow for what you cook: Dilly beans. Plate to Plot planner
Pets: Not on the ASPCA list. ASPCA has no entry for this crop. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Flavor notes: Fuller bean flavor from long-producing vines.
Variety notes: Needs a trellis; longer harvest window.
Best Time and Place to Plant Bean
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Pole Bean in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 85F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 30 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 10 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | August 1 to September 15 |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | August 15 to October 1 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | September 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 1 inches deep
- Spacing: 6 inches apart, 30 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 60F to 85F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1-1.5 inches per week; consistent moisture during pod set
- Days to harvest: 60
Fertilization
- 5-10-10 Low Nitrogen synthetic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Compost organic: 2 inches worked in before planting
Companion Plants
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Corn
- Rosemary
Avoid Planting Near
- Onions
- Garlic
- Kohlrabi
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Pods are 6-8 inches long and firm
- Seeds inside are just barely forming
- Pods snap crisply
- Harvest regularly to keep plants producing
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Bean?
Bean planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Bean?
The best time of year to plant Bean is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 60F to 85F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Bean?
Plant Pole Bean in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 85F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 30 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Bean?
Plant Bean about 6 inches apart, with rows around 30 inches apart.
What grows well with Bean?
Bean is commonly paired with Carrots, Cucumbers, Squash, Corn, Rosemary.
How long does Bean take to grow?
Bean is typically ready to harvest in about 60 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Bean?
Harvest Bean when pods are 6-8 inches long and firm. Seeds inside are just barely forming Pods snap crisply