Growing Beans - dwarf, also French beans, Bush beans

Phaseolus vulgaris : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
P                 P P P

(Best months for growing Beans - dwarf in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 61°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 2 - 6 inches apart
  • Harvest in 7-10 weeks. Pick often to encourage more flower production.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, spinach, lettuce, summer savory, dill, carrots, brassicas, beets, radish, strawberry and cucumbers, tagates minuta (wild marigold)
  • Avoid growing close to: Alliums (Chives, leek, garlic, onions) Sunflower

Your comments and tips

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15 May 09, Chucky N (Australia - tropical climate)
hi bobby kamp, how are you? the best soil to use in NZ is pot peat mulch it is avaliable in all major (garden) shops in Wellington. have a fantastic afternoon, my friend
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13 Apr 09, Simone (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Last year I went to France and enjoyed the most gorgeous green beans everywhere we went - they looked just like the ones we buy here but they were sooooooo tender and sweet. Does anyone have any suggestions on what variety they might be and where I could buy seeds from locally - thanks for your help :) PS: I am a newbie at gardening but loving it!!
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10 Mar 09, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My beans this summer have been attacked badly by mites (two spotted mite, bean mite and now broad mite as well - I checked with a microscope). after cropping really well at first, they've turned into a disaster. I've pulled most of them up, and the remaining ones I've sprayed with eco-oil, and I have my fingers crossed they'll come good again. Diane, maybe this is what yours are suffering from - it's been a really rugged season.
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08 Mar 09, Kim Wes (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are dwarf beans the same as french beans, as I cant find any useful information of dwarf beans. Such as scientific name and just general information. Thanks,
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04 Mar 09, bob kamp (New Zealand - temperate climate)
what is the best soil to use.
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14 Jan 09, Diane (Australia - temperate climate)
My beans are dying and I don't know why. i suspect it is something in the soil. Can you help me please
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Showing 151 - 156 of 156 comments
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My beans have got a dry and curly leaf on lower branches. My soil is very good but maybe too well drained. Any advice please

- Michael Hollis

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