Bush Beans
Why You Want to Grow Bush Beans
- Easy winners – dependable, beginner-friendly, and fast to produce.
- Quick harvest – many bush beans are ready in 50–60 days.
- No trellising needed – compact plants stay tidy and manageable.
- High yield in small spaces – perfect for raised beds and containers.
- Great for fresh eating and preserving – ideal for freezing and canning.
- Excellent replacement crop – perfect for planting after early spring crops like lettuce, spinach, or radishes are harvested.
How to Grow Bush Beans
- Planting: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost, when soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Plant 1–2 inches deep.
- Use a soil inoculant: Sprinkle Burpee Bean & Pea Booster granules in the furrow to improve growth and boost yields.
- Spacing: Space seeds 4-6 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart.
- Sun & Soil: Full sun (6–8 hours) and well-draining, workable soil.
- Watering :Water consistently, especially during flowering and pod set.
- Fertilizing: Usually light; a small side-dress of compost or Burpee Organic Tomato + Vegetable Granular Plant Food 3–6–4 can help in poor soils.
- avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
- Pests/Diseases: Watch for aphids, leafhoppers, and common fungal issues. Remove affected foliage promptly and maintain good airflow.
- Growing tip: Do not plant too early; cold soil slows germination and growth.
Recommended Bush Beans Varieties to Grow
- Blue Lake Superior – Modern improvements meet classic Blue Lake taste, offering high yields, excellent flavor, and added resistance to common bean diseases.
- Desperado – Heat-tolerant and disease-resistant, making it a strong choice for warmer summers.
- Burpee’s Stringless Green Pod – Tender, stringless pods with uniform growth; very forgiving for beginners.
All three are easy winners that perform well across a wide range of garden conditions.
How to Use Bush Beans
- Fresh eating – Steam, sauté, or roast for a simple side dish.
- Preserving – Excellent for freezing or pressure canning.
- Quick meals – Toss into stir-fries, pasta, or sheet-pan dinners.
- Garden snacking – Tender pods are perfect straight from the garden.
- Succession harvests – Plant every 2–3 weeks for a steady supply.
- Simple Sauté – Sauté fresh bush beans in olive oil with garlic and finish with salt and a squeeze of lemon.