How to Grow Pole Beans

Add Flavour and Save Space

Pole beans are nutrient-rich and surprisingly easy to grow. Pole beans, meaning those that grow upward on poles, string or other similar structures, take up less space than bush beans, which grow on the ground. Plus, they produce continuously once they start bearing pods, which means you only have to plant them once in the spring to have fresh, tasty beans all summer. Pole beans also tend have a more distinct and nutty taste than bush beans.

Amend Your Soil

Before planting your pole beans, amend the soil in your garden to add nutrients. Work in a 3-inch layer of compost or other organic matter, such as Miracle-Gro® Organics Garden Mix for Vegetables and Herbs into the top 15 cm (6") of existing soil.

Sow Pole Bean Seeds

Create tripods that are 2 m (6-8 ft) tall using 3 poles fastened together near the top. After the last spring frost, plant three to five seeds 5-8 cm (2-3") apart around each pole.

Eliminate Weed Competition

Carefully weed around young bean plants to prevent weeds from stealing sunlight, water and nutrients from your beans. When you've removed all weeds and the bean plants are 8-10 cm (3-4") tall, mulch the area with a 8 cm (3") layer of mulch. Water your plants regularly and evenly to maintain soil moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting.

Pick Your Beans Frequently

Most pole beans are ready for harvest 60 to 65 days after planting. They will continue to produce handfuls of 18-30 cm (7-12") long beans until frost, so pinch or cut the pods off carefully to avoid uprooting plants that are still producing. Pick fresh beans at least every few days for optimum tenderness.