Field beans, come in a wide variety including kidney bean, navy bean, pinto bean and black bean. These beans, although differing in seed size and coloring, are all just different types of a single species, Phaseolus vulgaris L. Field beans are dry edible beans that look and grow similar to bush beans.

Although not commonly grown in home gardens, field beans are an important agricultural crop. These highly nutritious crop is a food staple in most cultures around the world. Heirloom and organic varieties are available.

Ideal Site- Field beans need a sunny well-drained fertile site. These crops do not do well in clay soils. Field beans should not be planted in the same place in consecutive years. Prior to planting prepare the site with a high-fertility soil improver and a organic fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus. Ideal pH is 6.5-7.0. Use lime if soil pH is below 6.5.

Seed to Harvest- 16-18 Weeks.
 

 

Cultivation- The minimum germination temperature for string beans is 55F (13C). Undercover: To get an early start for plants for dry beans and for early crops, sow in May undercover in deep wooden boxes lined with newspaper or in biodegradable tubes, root trainers, or 3 ½ in (9cm) pots. Harden off before planting outside only after the last frost.

Outside: Sow from early summer when the soil is warm enough or in late June. Warm the soil with cloches or block plants to benefit early sowings. The last sowings, which should be dwarf varieties, may need cloche protection. Sow 2in. (5cm) deep. Expect about a 75% germination- always put a few extra beans in at the end of a row for transplanting into gaps.

Spacing- Rows: Dwarf beans 2-3in x 18-24in (5-7cm x 45-60cm), depending on cultivars. Climbing Beans: Grow up teepees or in double rows 24in (60cm) apart, with 5ft (1.5m) between double rows. Sow 2 sees per support, with 4-5in (10-12cm) between supports. Closer spacing is possible in containers but does increase risk of disease.

Block Planting: Dwarf beans: 6-8in (15-20cm). Close planting delays harvesting by about 1 week or so. Undercover: Use wider spacing to lessen the risk of disease.

Plant Care- As a short statured crop, field beans are not very competitive with weeds. Keep the area well weeded. Use teepees or pole tents for climbing varieties. Mulch to keep soil loose.

Problems- Mice, Mexican bean beetle, slugs, red spider mite, black bean aphid, halo blight, viruses

Harvesting- Harvesting field beans can start when seeds are at 18% moisture. This is generally when some pods are brown and a majority of pods are yellow. Do not pick fresh beans from a drying crop, as this will delay the maturity. Leave the pods to dry on the plants until they rattle. Drying can be completed indoors in bad weather. Hang whole plants upside down in a warm dry place until dry.

Nutrients- Field beans are an important source of protein, dietary fiber, vitamin B, iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, copper, and potassium