Growing Green Beans in Containers: A Guide to Planting Beans in Pots

Growing vegetables like green beans in containers is a great option for gardeners short on space. With the right pot soil and bean variety, you can easily grow green beans on a patio, balcony, or doorstep for a productive, space-saving crop.

Choosing the Right Pot for Beans

The first step in container gardening is selecting an appropriate pot. When growing green beans in pots the container needs to be large enough to accommodate the root system of the mature plant.

For bush green beans, select a pot at least 8-12 inches wide and deep. This will provide enough room for bush bean roots while keeping the plant’s size contained. Look for containers with drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil.

Pole beans require even more space since they grow vines. For pole beans use a container 12-18 inches deep and wide. The pot needs to be deep enough to anchor the pole or trellis structure. Five gallon buckets half whiskey barrels, and fabric grow bags all make good planters for pole beans.

Standard plastic nursery pots, ceramic pots, and wooden containers can all work well for green beans. Just be sure the container is food safe if using a decorative pot. Match the pot size to the type of bean you will grow.

Choosing Bean Varieties for Containers

Along with the right pot, it’s important to select compact bush bean varieties suitable for container growing. Good options include:

• Bush Blue Lake – prolific with great flavor
• Provider – high yields, disease resistant
• Contender – early producer, tolerant of cool weather
• Maxibell – compact plant, impressively high yields
• Harvester – quick maturing, great for small spaces

Avoid vining pole bean varieties which require much more space. Stick to bush-type beans for the best harvest from a container garden.

Consider your climate when choosing bean varieties. Some do better in cool conditions while others thrive in heat. Read seed packets to find ones suited for your weather.

Using the Right Potting Mix

Green beans need loose, fertile soil to grow their best. Use a quality potting mix instead of garden soil, which can become too compacted. Look for mixes containing compost for moisture retention and nutrients.

You can make your own container mix by combining:

• 1 part compost or worm castings for nutrients
• 1 part perlite or vermiculite for drainage
• 1 part peat moss for moisture retention

Avoid soilless mixes for beans, as they require added fertilizer to supply nutrients. Blends with compost will provide beans with needed organic matter.

The ideal pH range for green beans is 6.0-7.0. Test the potting mix and amend with lime if too acidic or sulfur if too alkaline. Proper pH helps beans access nutrients.

Direct Sowing Beans in Pots

Green beans don’t transplant well since they have a taproot. For the highest success, sow beans directly in their final pot once soil is warm, around 60-70°F.

Fill the container with moistened potting mix, allowing at least 1-2 inches from the rim for watering. Refer to the seed packet for sowing depth and spacing. Bush beans can be sown 2-3 inches apart in a grid pattern.

Place 2-3 bean seeds in each spot, then cover with potting mix. This will ensure good germination if some seeds fail. Water gently after planting and keep the soil evenly moist for fast germination.

Once sprouted, thin seedlings to the strongest plant in each spot. Removing extra plants prevents overcrowding. Handle seedlings gently when thinning.

Caring for Beans in Pots

Caring for container-grown beans involves keeping plants uniformly watered, fertilized, and supported as they grow. Consistent moisture is key for good pod production.

Use drip irrigation, siphon tubes, or watering wands to reach soil under foliage. Water at soil level to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Allow pots to partially dry out between waterings.

Fertilize beans every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer or compost tea. Mix occasional doses of Epsom salts into water to provide magnesium beans require.

Monitor for pests like aphids and diseases like rust or mosaic virus. Take action early before problems spread. Trim away any severely damaged leaves or vines.

Supporting Beans in Containers

Bush beans only require minimal staking or caging to keep vines tidy and upright. Short bean tepees work well in pots.

Pole beans need a sturdy vertical support structure. Use bean trellises, obelisks, wires, or fencing built to appropriate height. Set up supports before sowing seeds so vines can climb right away.

Tie pole bean vines to supports using soft twine or plant ties. Check ties weekly as vines grow to prevent sagging. Prune excessive growth if plants become overgrown.

Harvesting Bush and Pole Beans

Begin harvesting bush beans once pods reach desired size, typically around 5-7 inches long. Pick beans young and tender before seeds swell.

Use a knife or pruning shears for clean cuts. Bush beans ripen over 1-2 weeks, so check plants every few days for new pods.

With pole beans, harvest from bottom to top as pods mature along vines. Pick frequently to keep plants productive. Avoid letting mature pods go to seed.

Enjoy fresh green beans steamed, sautéed, or raw in salads. Freeze excess harvest for enjoyment all year.

Success Growing Beans in Containers

Growing green beans in pots allows urban gardeners and anyone with limited space to enjoy this rewarding garden crop. Choose appropriate bean varieties and containers, provide supports, and care for plants attentively. With a bit of effort, you can harvest basketfuls of delicious green beans from compact plants on your patio or balcony.