Want to grow lush lima beans?
You’re in the right place!
Here are 7 easy tactics to help your lima beans thrive. From planting to harvesting, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dig into the secrets of successful lima bean gardening!
Pick the Right Spot
Lima beans love the sun! So, find a sunny spot in your garden where they can get at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Make sure the soil is well-drained because these beans don’t like sitting in water. If your garden tends to get soggy, consider using raised beds or containers.
A pH level between 6.0 and 6.8 is perfect, so it’s worth testing your soil to see if any adjustments are needed.
Prepare the Soil
Soil prep is key! Start by clearing any weeds and debris.
You’ll want to work in some compost or well-rotted manure to give the beans a nutrient boost. Make sure the soil is nice and loose; compact soil can hinder root growth.
If needed, you can till the soil down to about 6-8 inches. This ensures your lima beans have a comfy spot to grow their roots.
Sow the Seeds
Now it’s planting time! Plant your lima bean seeds about 1-1.5 inches deep and 3-6 inches apart in rows.
Keep rows about 18-24 inches apart to give each plant enough room to spread out. If you’re planting poles beans, you’ll need a trellis or stakes for support.
For bush beans, no support is necessary, so you’re good to go!
Give Them a Drink
Watering is crucial but don’t overdo it! Lima beans need about 1 inch of water per week.
Make sure to water them at the base to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to disease. It’s better to water deeply once a week rather than daily for shallow watering.
This encourages deep root growth, making your plants stronger and more resilient.
Fertilize Wisely
Lima beans are light feeders, so you won’t need to fertilize too often. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer works well.
Apply it at the time of planting and then again once the flowers appear. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen can result in lush foliage but few beans.
Follow the instructions on your fertilizer package for best results.
Keep the Bugs at Bay
Unfortunately, lima beans can attract pests like aphids and bean beetles. Check your plants regularly for any signs of infestations.
You can use insecticidal soap for minor issues. For more serious problems, consider natural remedies like neem oil or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Keeping your garden free of debris and weeds can also help reduce the likelihood of pests setting up shop.
Harvest Time!
The moment you’ve been waiting for! Lima beans are ready to harvest when the pods are plump but before they start to yellow.
For fresh beans, pick the pods as they fill out. For dry beans, wait until the pods are fully mature and dry on the plant.
Gently pull or cut the pods from the plant to avoid damaging it. Enjoy your home-grown lima beans in a variety of dishes!