Garden beans, such as pole, bush, and shell beans; lima beans, mung beans, scarlet runner beans, asparagus beans; and southern peas, which aren’t beans but have similar growing needs. All of these crops share similar problems.
Here is a list of common bean problems and possible causes and cures. Pest and Disease Problem Solver and Pest Problem Solver can help you learn more about garden pests and diseases.
Green beans are a favorite vegetable to grow for many home gardeners They are easy to plant, take up little space, and provide a bountiful harvest within a couple months of sowing However, sometimes green bean plants fail to thrive and grow as expected. If you’ve planted green beans but noticed little to no growth, don’t give up hope! Here are the 9 most common reasons green beans may not be growing well and what you can do to get your plants back on track.
1. Soil is too cold
Green bean seeds need warm soil to germinate and sprout successfully. The ideal soil temperature for germination is 70-85°F. If planted in colder soil, the seeds may rot before having a chance to grow. Beans will not “wake up” and start growing into plants if the soil is cold and damp. Green beans and Lima beans, for example, really need sustained soil temperatures above 75oF to quickly germinate.
Solution Wait until daytime and nighttime temperatures have warmed up before planting Use a soil thermometer to check that soil is at least 65-70°F at planting depth before sowing seeds. In some climates, this may mean waiting until early summer to plant. Use row covers or cloches to help warm soil
2. Planted too early
Closely related to the previous point, planting seeds too early in spring when frost is still a risk can doom green bean plants. A frost after seeds have germinated will kill the young seedlings.
Solution: Pay attention to your area’s last expected frost date and don’t sow seeds until after this date has safely passed. Wait at least 1-2 weeks after the last frost to be safe.
3. Soil lacks nutrients
Green beans need proper nutrition from the soil to grow their best. Deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium will stunt plants and cause yellowing leaves and lack of pod set. Cold, dense, clay soil or sandy soil often lacks nutrients plants need.
Solution: Before planting, amend soil with 2-4 inches of aged compost or manure which provides a slow-release source of nutrients. Once planted, side dress growing plants with a balanced fertilizer or compost/manure tea every 2-3 weeks. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and nutrients.
4. Planted too deep
Green bean seeds should be planted no more than 1-2 inches deep. Any deeper and the emerging seedlings may not be able to push through the excess soil to the surface.
Solution: Check seed packet for recommended planting depth and don’t plant deeper than this. 1 inch deep is ideal for most green bean varieties.
5. Soil is too compacted
Dense, compacted soil prevents bean plant roots from establishing and getting the air and water they need. Plants will languish in tight, oxygen-deprived soil.
Solution: Before planting, turn over and loosen soil to a depth of 8-10 inches using a spading fork. Mix in compost to improve texture. After sowing seeds, avoid walking over the planting bed to prevent re-compacting the soil. Install supports for climbing varieties before plants start vining.
6. Under or overwatering
Consistent moisture is key for green beans. Too little water inhibits germination and growth. Overwatering can lead to fungi and root rot.
Solution: Water soil deeply 1-2 times a week if rainfall is lacking. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to target the soil and avoid wetting plant leaves. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Add mulch to help retain moisture.
7. Pests or diseases
A range of insects, animals, and fungi can attack green bean plants, nibbling leaves, transmitting diseases, and weakening plants. Common culprits include aphids, Japanese beetles, bunnies, and anthracnose.
Solution: Monitor plants frequently and take action at the first sign of a problem. Remove by hand or use organic insecticidal soap on bugs. Use row covers to deter animals. Remove and destroy diseased plants to prevent spreading.
8. Lack of sun exposure
Green beans need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and pod production. Too much shade will result in weak, stunted plants.
Solution: Choose a planting site that receives full sun for most of the day. Morning sun is most important. Avoid planting on the north side of buildings, under trees and shrubs, etc.
9. Improper planting
How you sow green bean seeds can impact germination rates and plant vigor. Seeds may fail to sprout if planted too far apart, too close together, or at incorrect spacing for the variety.
Solution: Follow seed packet spacing guidelines specific to your variety. Generally plant seeds 2-4 inches apart in rows 18-36 inches apart. Plant at proper depth. Ensure good seed-to-soil contact for best germination.
With the right growing conditions and care, green beans are not difficult to get started and will reward you with bundles of tasty pods for summer meals. Pay close attention to temperature, soil quality, moisture, and sunlight when planting and you’ll be harvesting armloads of beans soon. Let those plants climb high!
Frequency of Entities:
green beans: 24
soil: 13
seeds: 9
plants: 8
growing: 7
planting: 6
Leaves wilt; plants appear stunted.
Soil may be too wet or too dry or the soil may not be fertile. Add aged compost or organic matter to the soil to improve drainage and to improve soil nutrition. Give plants even, regular water, but do not over-water. Mulch in summer.
Large irregularly shaped holes in leaves.
Bean leaf beetles are about ¼ of an inch long and are reddish to yellowish-orange. They have black spots on their backs and black edges on their front wings. Larvae will bore into roots. Handpick and destroy. Keep the garden clean. Cultivate to 6 inches in spring to destroy larvae and disrupt the life cycle. Exclude beetles with floating row covers.
My Pole Beans Are Not Producing! What to do.
FAQ
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