How to Plant Pole Beans

Overview

Pole beans are beans that grow on a vine, as opposed to bush beans. Pole beans come in many varieties, in both snap beans and dried, shelled bean types. Slower to produce than bush beans, pole beans have a much longer harvest period.

Step 1

Pick a site that gets at least six hours of sun per day, and that has well-drained ground. Prepare your soil by digging down to a depth of 1 foot. Remove all rocks and roots to make a smooth soil. Mix in compost into the top 6 inches of dirt.

Step 2

Plant pole beans after the soil is warm and all danger of frost has passed. You can find your average last frost date at Farmersalmanac.com, courtesy of NOAA. Another good way to tell if the soil is ready is by getting a handful of dirt and squeezing it. When you let go, if the dirt can be flaked apart like chocolate cake, the soil is drained enough and warm enough to plant beans.

Step 3

Plant pole beans in your prepared soil 2-4 inches apart and about 1 inch deep. Beans can be grown in rows or in hills around a central pole. Install trellises or vegetable cages now, before the beans start to sprout. Water thoroughly. If there is any chance of frost overnight, cover with black plastic at night and remove it during the day.