When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Green beans are always in the garden because someone in this family, who shall not be named, loves them so much. In the past few years, there have been more and more tough, stringy, flat beans that no one likes, not even the person who shall remain nameless. Because of this, we’ve looked into why our beans are too tough and what can be done to fix stringy, tough beans.
It’s frustrating when you’ve lovingly grown green beans only to find they come out misshapen flattened or oddly curved instead of the plump, round pods you expected. Deformed and irregularly shaped green beans are usually caused by environmental factors like weather soil conditions, or pollination issues. With a few adjustments, you can get your green bean plants back on track for a bountiful harvest of straight, full pods.
Lack of Moisture
The #1 cause of flat wrinkled, or oddly shaped green beans is a lack of adequate moisture. Green beans have a high water content and insufficient watering will cause the developing seeds and pods to become deformed and shriveled. Beans need consistent moisture, especially as pods are forming and seeds are growing inside.
Make sure young bean plants receive at least 1-2 inches of water per week from rain or irrigation. Water gently at soil level and avoid wetting the leaves which can promote fungal diseases. Mulching around the plants will help retain soil moisture. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are ideal for delivering a steady supply of water to bean roots.
If soil dries out beans will become stressed growth will slow, and pods will not fill out properly. A good tip is to check soil moisture daily by digging down an inch or two, and water when the top few inches become dry. Keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged.
Poor Soil Fertility
Along with sufficient watering, green beans need fertile, nutrient-rich soil to produce their best yields. Beans are heavy feeders and deplete nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium from the soil. Poor fertility can lead to reduced pod set and flat, undersized beans.
Test your soil pH and nutrient levels to see if any are lacking. Beans prefer a slightly acidic pH between 6.0-6.8. Refresh the soil with a balanced vegetable fertilizer or compost before planting. Side dress growing plants monthly with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer like fish emulsion or manure tea.
Rotate bean crops to different beds each year to prevent nutrient deficiencies from developing in the soil. Mix in compost annually to replenish organic matter. Grow beans in raised beds enriched with compost for best results.
Inadequate Pollination
Poor seed development inside the pods due to inadequate pollination can also lead to oddly shaped beans. Beans have self-pollinating flowers, but still benefit from bees and other insects transferring pollen between blossoms. Cold, wet weather may inhibit pollinator activity and pollen viability.
If you suspect pollination problems, gently tap and shake bean flowers mid-morning to disperse pollen. You can also try hand pollinating by transferring pollen between flowers with a small brush. Planting flowers near beans attracts more pollinators to the garden.
sunlight issues
Green beans need at least 6-8 hours of full sun daily for proper growth and pod development. Beans grown in too much shade tend to become spindly and produce lower yields of irregular, flat pods.
Make sure bean plants receive optimal sunlight by situating them in a sunny spot clear of large trees or buildings that might block light. Morning sun is ideal as it dries dew from the leaves, reducing disease. If shade is unavoidable, choose bush or dwarf varieties that are more shade-tolerant.
Environmental Stressors
Weather extremes like cold snaps or heat waves can create stress for green beans, causing stunted growth and flattened pods. Temperatures below 50°F and above 85°F will impair pollination and bean formation. Shield plants from hot afternoon sun or frost to minimize environmental stress.
Strong winds can also deform tender bean pods, so use stakes, trellises and windbreaks to protect plants. Hill soil up around the base of plants for added wind stability. Ensure proper spacing between plants to allow for airflow and avoid fungal issues.
Pest Damage
Insects feeding on developing beans can alter their shape as they grow. Common bean pests like aphids, bean beetles, corn borers, leafhoppers, spider mites, and Japanese beetles can all damage pods and seeds, causing gnarled beans.
Scout for pests daily and take action at the first sign of infestation. Remove bugs by hand or use insecticidal soaps, neem oil or other organic sprays. Trap pests like earwigs with boards. Always follow pesticide labels carefully.
Viral and Bacterial Infections
Plant diseases like bean common mosaic virus, curly top virus, and bacterial blights can also create pod distortion and unusual bean shapes. These pathogens infect the plant systemically and impact cell growth and development.
Choose disease-resistant bean varieties to avoid infections. Disinfect tools between plants and work beds when they are dry to minimize disease spread. Remove and destroy any infected looking plants immediately.
Genetics
Certain bean varieties, especially older heirloom types, are naturally more prone to developing irregular, flattened pods. The overall genetics of the plant play a key role in pod and seed formation.
If you consistently have issues with flat beans, try planting a different variety known for smooth, rounded pods like Blue Lake, Kentucky Wonder, or Provider. Ask local gardeners what types perform best in your area. Stay vigilant for pest problems and signs of disease which can make pods malformed.
Don’t let lackluster green beans get you down! Pay close attention to your plants’ care and growing conditions to troubleshoot what may be amiss. With a few simple fixes, you can restore your bean patch to produce straight, meaty pods perfect for snapping, shelling, and enjoying all season long. Let those beans grow!
Additional Reasons Why Beans are Tough
The quality of bean seeds being planted may be the culprit. Because beans don’t last long on the shelf, farmers have bred them to last longer after they’ve been picked. This selective breeding has made for beans that are longer lasting, but sometimes tougher than our heirloom varieties. Therefore, planting hybridized seeds may be the problem, or at least part of it. Try planting good quality heirloom bean varieties next time around. Also, weather plays a large part in the end result of bean yield and quality. Overly hot temperatures as beans are forming may engender a degree of toughness. High temps interfere with pollination and adequate irrigation, which affects the bean crop as a whole. Plant beans, allowing adequate time for maturation before temperatures become excessively hot and keep the bean plants watered. Lastly, if you always plant your beans in the same spot in the garden, you might want to move them around because you might be depleting the soil of nutrients that the beans need to grow soft, delicate pods. If you plant green manure between seedlings and then till the soil again before planting in the spring, it will do wonders for improving the soil’s nutrition again. Remember that half runner beans have a natural tendency for variations leading to flat or tough beans.
Why are My Beans Tough and Stringy?
Some beans are called “string beans” because they have a string that is usually taken off before cooking so the beans aren’t too tough to eat. All beans are at their peak when freshly picked with tender young pods. One reason beans are fibrous, tough, and stringy may simply be that they are picked past their prime. When picking beans, pod diameter, NOT length, is the best way to tell, and a fresh bean can be confirmed by hearing a snap when it is broken. If you realized too late that you forgot to pick your beans and now only have big, tough ones left, you can still use them. When beans are overly mature, try shelling them and cook the interior “shellies. “Do not try to pickle them because the skins are too tough and the inside bean does not soak up the brine, making pickles that are tasteless and chewy.” These over developed beans can also be canned or chopped and frozen to add to casseroles, soups, etc. On a cooking note, regarding tough green beans, you may be undercooking them. Fresh beans are soft and only need a short amount of time to cook. But if you put them in boiling water and then take them out or steam them for 30 seconds, you might end up with beans that aren’t tough and stringy but just undercooked. The web has many ideas for properly cooking green beans, but I disagree with most of them. The cooking times are so long that there isnt any nutrition or texture left to the poor things. Whole beans should not be steamed for more than seven to eight minutes, but how you like your beans is up to you.
A Farmer’s Guide to Mastering Growing Green Beans
FAQ
What kind of green beans are flat?
Are flat green beans good?
Are blue lake green beans flat?
What do overwatered green beans look like?
Why are my green beans tough?
There are several reasons why your green beans may be tough, and understanding these factors can help you cook them to perfection. One common reason for tough green beans is overcooking. If you boil or steam them for too long, they can become mushy and lose their natural crunch. On the other hand, undercooking can also result in tough green beans.
What happens to your body when you eat beans?
Beans are very beneficial for you digestion and overall health. They are high in fiber which is good because it helps manage blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and improve heart health. But if you increase your fiber too much too quickly you may suffer with gas and bloating. The bacteria in your digestive system break down the fiber and that can produce gas. Beans also contain a carbohydrate called raffinose which can be difficult to digest resulting in gas and bloating. Soaking beans before cooking and increasing the amount of beans you eat gradually are 2 ways to reduce the side effects of digesting beans.
Why are my Beans So Tough?
Overly hot temperatures as beans are forming may engender a degree of toughness. High temps interfere with pollination and adequate irrigation, which affects the bean crop as a whole. Plant beans, allowing adequate time for maturation before temperatures become excessively hot and keep the bean plants watered.
How do you know if green beans are fresh?
Older beans tend to be tougher and less flavorful than fresh, young beans. If you’re purchasing green beans from the store, look for ones that are firm and bright in color, as these are indicators of freshness. To ensure that your green beans turn out tender and tasty, there are a few cooking methods you can try.