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Dreaming of growing your own kidney beans?
It’s easier than you think!
With the right tips, you can have a lush garden full of kidney beans in no time. Check out these 8 simple tactics to get started.
Ready to grow? Let’s go!
Pick the Right Location
Choosing the right spot is super important. Kidney beans are sun lovers, so find a sunny spot in your garden.
They need around 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. Make sure the soil is well-drained because beans really hate wet feet.
If the ground is soggy for too long, the seeds might rot and that’s a no-go!
Prepare the Soil
Let’s get down and dirty! First, loosen up the soil with a garden fork or tiller.
Beans love soil that’s a bit on the sandy side, but any garden soil will do, as long as it’s not too clay-heavy. Adding compost or organic matter can give your beans a nutritional boost.
Aim for a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 for the best growth.
Sow the Seeds
Time to plant those beans! Sow kidney bean seeds directly into the ground when the soil has warmed up, usually in late spring.
Plant them about 1 to 1.5 inches deep and 3 inches apart. If you’re using rows, space them about 18 to 24 inches apart.
Remember not to overcrowd the seeds, they need room to grow!
Water Regularly
Beans love consistency, especially when it comes to water. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
It’s super important to water the plant at its base so the leaves stay dry. Wet leaves can attract diseases, and nobody wants that.
When the plants start podding, a bit more water will help the beans plump up.
Weed and Mulch
Keeping weeds away is key. Weeds compete with your kidney beans for nutrients, water, and sunlight.
Pull them out as soon as you see them! Adding a layer of mulch can help keep those pesky weeds at bay and also help retain soil moisture.
Organic mulch like straw or grass clippings works wonders.
Support the Plants
Some kidney bean varieties grow tall and might need a little support. Use stakes, poles, or a trellis to help them grow up straight.
This also makes harvesting easier and keeps the plants healthy by improving air circulation. If your beans seem to be struggling or flopping, they probably need some support.
Harvest Time
The best part is harvesting! Kidney beans take around 90-100 days to mature.
Wait until the pods are fully dry and the beans inside are hard. You can then pick the pods and let them dry for a few more days in a warm, dry place.
Once they’re totally dry, shell the beans and store them in an airtight container.
Enjoy Your Beans
Now that you’ve grown your own kidney beans, it’s time to enjoy them! You can use them in soups, salads, chili, or any of your favorite recipes.
Homegrown beans have a flavor that’s worth all the effort you’ve put in. Happy cooking and even happier eating!