Bush beans are one of Rooted Garden’s favorite vegetables to grow. There are many ways to use them, and they do well in both full sun and partial sun gardens.
You can grow pole beans along a trellis, but you can plant bush beans just about anywhere in the kitchen garden.
Green beans are a rewarding warm-season crop to grow in Texas. With proper timing on when to plant, you can enjoy an abundant harvest of crisp, flavorful beans all summer long. This guide covers ideal planting times across the state along with tips to maximize your green bean crop.
When to Plant Green Beans in Texas
The key factor in determining when to plant green beans is the date of your region’s last expected spring frost. Green beans thrive in warm conditions but are highly sensitive to cold.
Most areas of Texas experience frosts as late as March or even April. Here are the recommended planting dates after the average last frost
- North Texas: Plant beans in mid to late April
- Central Texas: Mid March to early April
- East Texas: Mid March to early April
- West Texas: Late March to mid April
- South Texas: February to early March
Check this Texas Frost Date Guide to find your specific location’s final spring frost date. Wait 1-2 weeks after the frost date before sowing beans.
Planting too early while nighttime temps are still cool will cause slow growth and make beans more prone to rot and disease.
Start Seeds Indoors
You can get a head start by planting beans indoors 4 weeks before your last average frost. Sow seeds in containers or cell packs. Provide plenty of light.
Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting them outside in rows or beds after danger of frost has passed.
Selecting Bean Varieties
Choose early maturing green bean cultivars that ripen within 45-60 days. Some top quick-producing options include:
- Provider – reliable, heavy yields
- Contender – disease resistance
- Roma II – prolific Italian type
- Derby – smooth, slender pods
- Maxibel – high yields on compact plants
Bush bean varieties are recommended for easiest care versus pole beans needing trellises.
Spring Planting Tips
Follow these tips when planting green beans in spring:
- Prepare soil well with compost and nutrients
- Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep, 2-4 inches apart
- Water thoroughly after planting and provide consistent moisture
- Cover newly planted beds with row cover to retain warmth
- Mulch around plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture
Fall Planting
Texas gardeners can plant a second bean crop in late summer to early fall for a fall harvest before first frost.
- Sow seeds 8-10 weeks before first fall frost date
- Choose quick maturing varieties under 60 days
- Increase spacing to 6 inches between plants
- Provide shade if heat persists as beans dislike hot weather
Ongoing Care
Once your green beans are planted:
- Water 1-2 inches per week if rain is lacking
- Side dress with a nitrogen fertilizer when blooming starts
- Install trellises and nets for pole varieties to climb
- Weed regularly to prevent competition for nutrients
- Monitor for bean beetles and other pests
With proper planting times and care, your green beans will produce prolifically. Time your plantings in spring and fall for a long harvest window. Adjust dates as needed based on weather variations each year. With the right conditions, green beans thrive wonderfully in gardens across Texas.
Plant Bush Beans by Seed in a Compost Rich Soil
Bush beans seeds can be planted fairly close together. Use a dibber or other garden tool to plant seeds every 3”. The rule of thumb is to plant seeds twice the width of the seed. Bush bean seeds are fairly large compared to other seeds, so plant them approximately 2-4” deep.
Be sure to keep the seeds well watered to allow germination. The seeds will start to emerge after only a few days!.
Bush Beans Grow Well in the Spring and Fall in Houston’s Kitchen Garden
Houston is one of the few, lucky climates where we have two warm seasons. Two chances at all of our favorite warm season vegetables. Bush beans being one of them!.
The first warm season is between March-May and the second warm season is between September-November.
Growing Green Beans. Everything you need to know.
FAQ
How late can you plant green beans in Texas?
What are the best green beans to plant in Texas?
What month do you plant green beans?
Do green beans need full sun to grow?
When can you plant green beans outside in Texas?
Specifically, you are going to need to watch when the last frost occurs. In general, when there hasn’t been a frost for two weeks, you are SAFE to plant your green beans outside in Texas! For your reference, I have created this table for average frost dates for most major cities in Texas.
Which beans can I grow in central Texas?
In central Texas, ‘Maxibel’ and ‘Nickel’ are two varieties that have performed well in my garden. There are many other bean varieties to consider for growing in central Texas. These delicate beans are best prepared lightly steamed or blanched quickly (2 to 3 minutes) in boiling water.
When should you plant green beans in Travis County?
Green beans in Travis County should be planted in late March and again in mid-April. The beans were harvested by late May and into June in a test conducted by several members of the Travis County Master Gardeners. The beans trialed were good producers and fairly dependable.
Can you plant green beans too late?
Planting green beans too late will cause small green beans or even worse, no green beans. When Should You Start Your Green Beans Seeds Indoors? Depending on the type of green beans, it takes roughly 14-21 days to grow green beans from seed indoors and then transplant them to your garden.