If you are a gardening enthusiast who is short on space or time, container gardening might be just the thing for you. Container gardening is a convenient way to grow crops that would otherwise require a large plot of land, and beans are a great choice for container gardening because they are easy to grow and maintain. If you’re wondering which beans are best for container gardening, keep reading to find out!
Characteristics of Beans Suitable for Container Gardening
Before we delve into the best beans for container gardening, let’s first take a look at the characteristics that make a bean variety suitable for container gardening.
Dwarf or Bush Varieties
The best beans for container gardening are those that are classified as dwarf or bush varieties. These beans grow to a height of about 2 feet and do not require support. This makes them ideal for container gardening as they do not take up much space, and you don’t need to worry about providing poles or trellises for support.
Fast-Maturing Beans
Another important characteristic of beans suitable for container gardening is that they should be fast-maturing. This means that they should produce a crop in a relatively short period, usually between 40-65 days after planting. Fast-maturing beans are ideal for container gardening because they allow you to enjoy a quick harvest and replant another crop in the same container.
Disease Resistance
Lastly, when choosing beans for container gardening, it is essential to select varieties that are resistant to diseases. Container gardening is more susceptible to pest infestation and disease outbreaks, so planting disease-resistant varieties can help keep your plants healthy and strong.
Best Bean Varieties for Container Gardening
Now that we know the characteristics of beans suitable for container gardening let’s look at the best bean varieties to grow in containers.
Blue Lake Bush
Blue Lake Bush is a popular dwarf bean variety that produces abundant, flavorful beans. This bean variety is ideal for container gardening because it grows to a height of about 18 inches and matures in just 50 days. It is also disease-resistant, making it a great choice for beginners or those looking for a low-maintenance crop.
Provider Bush
Provider Bush is another excellent bean variety for container gardening. It is a fast-maturing variety that produces a heavy crop of tender, stringless beans in just 40-50 days. This bean variety is disease-resistant and grows to a height of about 20 inches, making it a perfect choice for container gardening.
Contender Bush
Contender Bush is a highly productive bean variety that matures in just 50-55 days. This bean variety produces a heavy crop of tender, stringless beans that are perfect for cooking or freezing. It is also disease-resistant and grows to a height of about 18 inches, making it ideal for container gardening.
Topcrop Bush
Topcrop Bush is a popular bean variety that produces a heavy crop of plump, meaty beans that are perfect for canning or freezing. This bean variety is fast-maturing, producing a harvest in just 50-55 days. It is also disease-resistant and grows to a height of about 18 inches, making it ideal for container gardening.
Provider Pole
If you’re looking for a pole bean variety for container gardening, Provider Pole is an excellent choice. This bean variety is disease-resistant and produces a heavy crop of flavorful beans that mature in 55-60 days. It grows to a height of about 5-6 feet, so you will need to provide support for this variety. However, it is still an excellent choice for container gardening if you have a taller container or trellis.
How to Grow Beans in Containers
Now that you know which bean varieties are suitable for container gardening let’s look at how to grow them successfully.
Picking the Right Container
The first step in growing beans in containers is selecting the right container. You can use any container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide, with good drainage holes. You can use plastic pots, clay pots, or even recycled containers such as buckets or baskets.
Preparing the Soil
Next, you need to prepare the soil for planting. Beans prefer a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite to create a suitable growing medium. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and fill the container about two-thirds full.
Planting the Beans
Now it’s time to plant the beans. Plant the beans about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Water the container thoroughly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Caring for the Plants
Once the plants start to grow, you need to care for them properly. Water the container regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilize the plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. You may need to provide support for pole bean varieties by adding a trellis or poles to the container.
Harvesting the Beans
When the beans are ready for harvest, pick them regularly to encourage the plants to produce more. Most bean varieties will produce continuously if you harvest the beans regularly. To harvest the beans, simply snap or cut them off the plant when they are about 6-8 inches long.
Conclusion
Container gardening is a convenient way to grow crops, and beans are an excellent choice for container gardening. By selecting the right bean varieties and providing them with proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of flavorful, nutritious beans. So, go ahead and give container gardening a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your food, even if you have limited space!