When to Plant Beans?

When to plant beans? Everything you need to know!

Beans are a delicious and easy vegetable to grow in your own garden or greenhouse. Whether you prefer French beans, pole beans, or runner beans, they're fast-growing and yield a generous harvest. But the big question is, of course, when to plant beans ? In this article, we'll give you all the practical information you need to sow and plant at the right time.

The right timing: don't start too early

Beans are heat-loving. This means you shouldn't plant them in the ground until the risk of night frost has truly passed. In Belgium and the Netherlands, that's usually early to mid-May . If your beans are put outside too early in soil that's too cold, the seeds will rot or germinate very slowly.

Do you have a greenhouse or conservatory ? Then you can start sowing beans as early as April . Make sure there's sufficient light and ventilation, as mold can easily develop. Preferably use seed pots or trays so you can easily transplant the seedlings later.

Note: Beans need a soil temperature of at least 12°C to germinate quickly. So it's better to wait than to start too early. And preferably choose a dry day when sowing or planting to avoid disturbing the soil structure.

Pole beans or bush beans? A difference in timing and approach

Bush beans: quick and easy

Bush beans are ideal for those with limited space or experience. Sow them directly in the ground from mid-May to early July —in rows about 40 cm apart. They don't require support and will yield their first harvest just 6 to 8 weeks later.

In the greenhouse, you can sow seeds from early April and plant them out at the end of April. If necessary, use a seed tray to get your seedlings strong enough for moving outdoors. Give them plenty of space and water as soon as they start to flower.

Pole beans: a bit more work, but a high yield

Pole beans need climbing aids, such as bamboo canes or a bean net. Sow them in the ground from mid-May , at the base of the canes. You can sow 3 to 5 beans per cane. In a greenhouse, this can be done as early as mid-April.

These beans climb up to 2 meters tall, making them especially useful for vertical gardening. The first harvest usually arrives after 8 to 10 weeks , but they often yield longer and more abundantly than bush beans. Combine them with climbing plants like Epipremnum Pinnatum for a green ensemble in your greenhouse or garden corner.

Which types should you choose?

There are several options for beans: runner beans , French beans , French beans, and snow peas . All are best sown in spring, but snow peas can sometimes be sown as early as late March if the soil is easily workable.

Want something a little more exotic in your vegetable garden? Then be sure to check out other edible plants like the dwarf banana plant or the Ficus Elastica — both edible or decorative, and suitable for greenhouses or indoor growing.

What to pay attention to when planting?

Make sure your soil is well-loosened, without hard clods. Beans prefer an airy soil with plenty of organic matter. Adding a little compost helps stimulate the young plants. During dry periods, it's best to water regularly at the base, not on the leaves. This prevents mold.

Use hydroponic pebbles around the base of your bean plants to retain moisture longer. Especially useful in sandy soil or in pots!

Tips for those who garden indoors or on the balcony

Don't have a garden? No problem! Then choose low-growing bush beans in a large pot on your balcony or patio. Place your pots in a sunny spot and use suitable potting soil with adequate drainage.

For balcony gardening, sturdy plants like the Yucca or ZZ plant are also popular. They require little water but add structure to your green oasis.

When to harvest?

Depending on the variety, you can harvest beans between July and September . For a longer harvest, you can sow a second time in June. This way, you can enjoy your own beans well into autumn. Pick them young, before the seeds in the pods thicken. This way, they are at their tenderest and most flavorful.

Want to experiment with other edibles? Check out our grow kits . From spicy peppers to your own Christmas tree , there's plenty to choose from!

Ready for your beans?

Whether you're new to gardening or have had a green thumb for years, planting beans is a pleasant and rewarding task. Just keep the timing right—mid-May in the ground, from April in the greenhouse—and choose your favorite variety. Loosen the soil, water well, and before you know it, you'll be picking your own beans on a sunny morning. Happy planting!

Want more tips on what and when to plant? Discover our blog about when to plant with all seasonal crops!