Propagation
Green beans are propagated from seed.
Planting Method
Planting is done by direct sowing. Planting can be done by hand or mechanically. Seeds are planted two to three centimeters deep.Spacing
Plants should be spaced five to ten centimeters apart in rows that are 50 to 60 centimeters apart. This is approximately 400 000 plants per hectareSowing Time
Green beans can be planted from August to as late as March as long as the temperatures into May do not drop too sharply.Growth Period
Green Beans reach maturity and can start to be harvest from about 60 to 70 days from planting. Can be harvested continuously up to 90 to 100 days from planting.Fertilization
It is always advisable to use recommendations given by utilizing the results of representative soil samples that have been taken and analyzed from the fields that are to be planted.
Once the soil has been prepared and cleaned it is good practice to add some organic matter like manure or a compost and this is worked into the top 400 to 500 millimeters of soil when ploughing the field. Any cover crop that has been planted is also worked into the soil at this time. Normally this is done about 4 weeks before planting.
When you are ready to plant work 1000 kilograms per hectare of a good N(Nitrogen) P(Phosphorus) K(Potassium) mix like 2:3:4 into the top ten centimeters of soil. Two to three weeks after planting apply a top dressing of 150 kilograms of LAN per hectare and two weeks thereafter (about 35 days after planting) another 150 kilograms per hectare.
Irrigation
Soil must be slightly moist when planting. Once the planting has been done water the soil well. Then leave the seeds to germinate and only once the plants are showing, approximately seven to ten days after planting then the next irrigation can be done.
Irrigate 35 to 40 mm of water per week. Sandier soils tend to use slightly more water. Unless the soils are heavy loam soils irrigation can be done twice weekly.
By Louise Brodie