When to Plant Green Beans
Published: April 21, 2026
One of the easiest and most productive direct-sow vegetables. Bush beans need no support and produce in 50–60 days; pole beans need a trellis but produce for months.
When to plant green bean
- Direct sow outdoors: 1 week after last frost
- Minimum soil temperature: 60°F
- Days to harvest: 50–65 days
- Sun requirement: Full sun
- Spacing: 6 inches apart
- Water: 1 inches per week
- Fall crop: Yes — plant 8 weeks before first fall frost
Growing Tips for Green Beans
- •Direct sow only — beans do not transplant successfully.
- •Succession plant every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
- •Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen — beans fix their own nitrogen from the soil.
- •Harvest every 2 days at finger-length; leaving beans on the vine signals the plant to stop producing.
Companion Planting for Green Beans
✅ Plant green bean with
- • Carrot
- • Cucumber
- • Summer Savory
- • Marigold
- • Corn
- • Squash
❌ Avoid planting near
- • Onion
- • Garlic
- • Fennel
- • Shallot
Common Green Bean Pests and Problems
Regional pest pressure varies — see your state guide below for state-specific pest calendars and treatment timing.
Green Beans Planting Dates by State
Select your state for exact sow and transplant dates based on local frost calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I plant green beans?
Direct sow green beans 1 week after your last frost date, once soil is above 60°F. Bean seeds rot in cold soil. Most regions can plant from mid-April through May for a summer harvest, then again in late July for a fall crop.
What is the difference between bush beans and pole beans?
Bush beans are compact (18 inches), need no support, and produce all at once over 2–3 weeks. Pole beans grow 6–8 feet, require a trellis, but produce continuously for 2–3 months. For a steady harvest, grow pole beans; for large batches for canning, grow bush beans.
How do I get green beans to keep producing?
Pick every 2 days once pods reach finger-length. When beans are left to mature on the vine, the plant thinks its job is done and stops flowering. Consistent harvesting keeps the plant producing new flowers and pods throughout the season.
Can I plant green beans in the fall?
Yes — sow a fall crop 8 weeks before your first fall frost date (typically late July to August in most regions). Fall beans often avoid the worst pest pressure of summer and can be harvested into October.
What grows well with green beans?
Beans are classic companions in the Three Sisters planting (corn, beans, squash). Summer savory planted nearby deters Mexican bean beetles. Marigolds repel a range of bean pests. Avoid planting near onions, garlic, or fennel which inhibit bean growth.