Unlike many other varieties of beans, French beans can grow up to 20 inches in height. They can be divided into two types: dwarf and climbing.
Dwarf varieties do not require staking — while climbing varieties need support.
Bamboo canes planted in a double row are the traditional method for supporting climbing French beans.
However, you can also build a wigwam to support the plant, using four or five canes tied together and placed in a container.
Plant French beans in blocks rather than rows
Planting French beans in blocks rather than rows has its advantages and disadvantages. First of all, you should use moist organic soil.
Secondly, your French beans will need some kind of horizontal support to keep them upright. This support can be in the form of sweet pea netting, twiggy pea sticks, or string.
Lastly, French beans should be sown outdoors towards the end of May or beginning of June. Plant seeds at a depth of 4 to 6 inches and space them about 15cm apart. Ideally, you should plant three French beans per cane. Once they’ve sprouted, they’ll grow quickly.
Unlike bush beans, which require a minimum of 20 inches of space between rows, planting beans in blocks can be done with as little as four to five inches of space.
This is particularly helpful if you want to regularly irrigate your plants. This method will also reduce weeding since the bean leaves act as a “living mulch” to keep weeds out.
Block planting is also great for small gardens. It’s easier to maintain and can be done without the need for additional soil amendments. Block planting reduces the risk of weeds and makes your vegetables easier to care for.
Feed French beans after a heavy bloom
Fertilizer is an important part of growing beans. A potassium fertilizer will boost flowering, while a nitrogen fertilizer will increase plant growth.
It is also important to use a well-balanced fertilizer like Tui NovaTec Premium, which is available from garden centers. If you’re unsure of what your soil needs, take a soil test. The results will give you a better idea of the nutrients your beans need.
French beans can be susceptible to slugs, which can damage seedlings. Using an organic slug pellet can help control these creatures, but they can also cause damage to your plants.
If you want to keep your plants healthy and free of slugs, you can also use copper tape or eggshell barriers to keep them out.
Birds can also be a problem for your French beans. Pigeons and other pests love the fragile parts of your plants and can eat them.
Make sure to keep your French beans protected by placing bamboo poles between rows to keep them upright and protected from predators.
To ensure that your plants remain healthy and productive, you should water them every fortnight. French beans require a lot of water, so make sure that you do not allow your compost to dry out.
Aside from watering frequently, you should also monitor soil moisture and avoid dryness. The right amount of water can make a huge difference in yield, regularity, and quality of your beans. Lack of water can result in lower failure, bent pods, and decreased yield.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer
When planting your beans, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. Too much nitrogen can cause excessive leaf growth and delay flowering and pod set.
It can also burn the leaves of the plant. To reduce these problems, consider using an organic fertilizer or compost blend. Fertilizers can be applied in a thin layer six to eight inches deep to the soil.
To determine the proper amount of nitrogen, do a soil test. One acre of soil usually requires approximately 600 to 800 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizers. Use the correct amount of fertilizer for your soil type and planting date. If you are planting beans in a row, spread the fertilizer at a depth of 3 inches, slightly below the seed. In case of excessive leaching rains, you should apply extra nitrogen.
Another option is to use a granular plant food. These are small pellets or tablets that you sprinkle on the soil. These are good for long-term feeding solutions, especially for new plantings of green beans. They provide plants with organic nutrients and can improve soil structure. Some granular fertilizers are made of bone meal, a rich source of calcium, phosphorus, and sulfur.
While some plants are satisfied with basic fertilization, others need additional fertilization to produce large, vigorous growth. For instance, beans can show signs of nutrient deficiency, such as slow growth and pale or yellow leaves. If you want your beans to produce more pods and flowers, you should apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every three to five weeks. However, you should avoid using too much fertilizer, because over-fertilizing the plants can prevent them from blooming and developing pods.
Get rid of Freeze moldy beans
The first thing to do is make sure that the beans are mold free. If the beans have a slimy or off-odorous look, they are not fresh and should be discarded.
You can also look for black or brown spots on the beans, or ones that seem slimy and mushy. If these are present, the beans are rotten. Fortunately, you can save them by freezing them and using them later.
To freeze them, you must first quickly blanch them. This process takes two to four minutes, depending on the size of the beans. Once cooled, the beans can be placed on a cookie sheet and then placed into the freezer.
When they are fully frozen, you can place them into a freezer bag. Be sure to label the bags to keep track of the freshness.
Next, make sure the beans are mould-free by soaking them overnight in water. This will make it easier for them to defrost later.
You can also use the frozen beans in many dishes. You don’t need to defrost them before adding them to a recipe. Just add the beans to your dish as it cooks and they’ll heat up.
Protect French beans from birds
Birds can be an annoyance to your garden, so it’s important to protect your plants from them. You can use netting, scarecrows, and bird-scaring mechanisms to prevent birds from eating your crops.
One of the most effective ways to keep pest birds out of young fruit trees is by installing horticultural mesh or fleece around your plants. Birds will feed on your plant’s leaves and buds, so be sure to protect your plants from these pesky pests.
Birds are a common problem for vegetable gardeners. Crows and pigeons are notorious for eating entire heads of cabbage, while Bluejays are notorious for stealing berries. In addition to being a pest, however, birds also play an important role in the ecosystem.
Whether you’re growing your favorite vegetables for your family or attracting visitors to your garden, it’s important to protect your plants from birds and keep them happy.
Are French beans vulnerable to pests?
French beans are vulnerable to pests, but you can protect them from these pests by using a variety of tactics.
First, you can use a scarecrow, which will keep them away for a while, but you can also use biological pest control methods.
For example, you can use a string to make a V-shaped hole in the ground with a hoe, and then trap aphids with it.
Another way to keep birds out of your French beans is to use a bird deterrent.
You can use naphthalene flakes or methyl anthranilate to cover your plants. These will deter birds from eating your crops, but they won’t affect the taste or quality of your food.