When to Plant Beans
Published: April 24, 2026
Direct sow after last frost when soil reaches 60°F. Never start indoors — beans resent transplanting. Succession plant every 2–3 weeks through midsummer for continuous harvest.
When to plant bean
- Direct sow outdoors: 1 week after last frost
- Minimum soil temperature: 60°F
- Days to harvest: 50–65 days
- Sun requirement: Full sun (6+ hours)
- Spacing: 4 inches apart
- Water: 1 inches per week
- Fall crop: Yes — plant 10 weeks before first fall frost
⚠ Direct sow beans after last frost when soil reaches 60°F. Never start indoors — beans resent transplanting. Succession plant every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest.
Growing Tips for Beans
- •Inoculate bean seeds with rhizobium bacteria before planting in new garden soil — boosts nitrogen fixation and yields.
- •Plant bush beans every 2–3 weeks through midsummer for a continuous harvest from July to first frost.
- •Pole beans produce for 6–8 weeks from a single planting; plant once, harvest all season.
- •Never handle wet bean plants — working among wet foliage spreads bacterial diseases between plants.
Companion Planting for Beans
✅ Plant bean with
- • Corn
- • Cucumber
- • Carrot
- • Radish
- • Marigold
❌ Avoid planting near
- • Onion
- • Garlic
- • Fennel
- • Pepper
Common Bean Pests and Problems
Regional pest pressure varies — see your state guide below for state-specific pest calendars and treatment timing.
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 beans?
Direct sow beans 1 week after your last frost date, once soil temperature is above 60°F. In Zones 3–5 this is late May to early June; in Zones 7–9 it is mid-April to early May. Beans planted in cold soil rot rather than germinating. Wait for warm soil — do not rely on the calendar.
Can I start beans indoors?
No — beans strongly resent transplanting. Their brittle stems and sensitive roots break easily, and transplanted beans typically produce less than direct-sown beans. The only exception is very short-season climates (Zones 3), where peat pots can be used to give a 2-week head start. In most climates, direct sow only.
What is the difference between bush beans and pole beans?
Bush beans grow to about 2 feet tall and produce all their beans in a 2-week window. Pole beans climb 6–8 foot trellises and produce continuously for 6–8 weeks from a single planting. Bush beans are better for freezing or canning all at once; pole beans are better for fresh eating over a long season. Both grow on the same schedule.
Why are my bean plants not producing?
Beans drop flowers when nighttime temperatures exceed 85°F or daytime temperatures exceed 95°F — plants resume production when cooler weather returns. Too much nitrogen causes leafy plants with few pods; beans fix their own nitrogen and need no fertilizer. Irregular watering during flowering also causes blossom drop.
What should I plant with beans?
Corn provides a trellis for pole beans while beans fix nitrogen that corn needs (the Three Sisters combination). Cucumbers, carrots, radishes, and marigolds all do well with beans. Avoid the allium family (onions, garlic, chives) which stunts bean nitrogen fixation, plus fennel and peppers.