Dwarf beans are a versatile, easy-to-grow vegetable that’s perfect for beginner gardeners. These compact bush beans don’t need staking, making them an excellent option for small spaces and container gardens. In this blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about growing dwarf beans, from sowing and care to harvesting, companion planting, and even a simple recipe to enjoy your homegrown produce!
Where and When to Plant Dwarf Beans
Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dwarf beans love warm, sunny conditions.
Timing: Plant after the last frost, once the soil temperature is consistently above 10°C. This is usually in mid-spring to early summer.
Soil Preparation: Beans prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Add compost to enrich the soil well before sowing, ensuring it’s loose and crumbly for good root development.
How to Sow Dwarf Beans
Direct Sowing: Dwarf beans don’t like to be transplanted, so sow seeds directly into the soil about 2.5 cm deep.
Spacing: Place seeds 5-7.5 cm apart, with rows spaced 30-45 cm apart to allow airflow between plants.
Watering: Water well after planting to help the seeds settle. Keep the soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge.
Care and Maintenance
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week.
Mulching: Use organic mulch around your plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilizing: Beans fix their own nitrogen, so they don’t need heavy feeding. However, a fortnightly applications of homemade weed/or compost tea will be a benefit.
Pest Control: Keep an eye out for aphids. Using a homemade garlic spray can help control minor infestations.
Harvesting and Storage
When to Harvest: Harvest dwarf beans when the pods are firm, crisp, and reach about 10-15 cm long. Young beans are more tender, so don’t wait too long.
How to Pick: Use scissors or gently twist the pods off to avoid damaging the plant.
Storage: Fresh beans can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. For long-term storage, blanch and freeze them.
Top Dwarf Bean Varieties from Kings Seeds NZ
If you’re looking for high-quality dwarf bean varieties, Kings Seeds NZ has some great options:
‘Dwarf Bean Tendergreen’: This reliable variety produces smooth, round pods with excellent flavour. It’s ideal for fresh eating or freezing.
‘Dwarf Bean Mini Purple’: Adds a pop of colour to your garden with its stunning purple pods, which turn green when cooked.
‘Dwarf Bean Blue Lake’: Known for its high yields and straight, tender pods that are perfect for salads, stir-fries, or steaming.
Best Companion Plants for Dwarf Beans
Companion planting can help deter pests, improve soil health, and maximize space. Here are some top companions for dwarf beans:
Radishes: Help break up compacted soil and deter pests.
Marigolds: These vibrant flowers repel aphids, nematodes, and beetles, making them an excellent companion plant for beans.
Simple Dwarf Bean Salad Recipe
Once your beans are ready to harvest, try this quick and healthy salad recipe:
Ingredients:
250 g (1/2 lb) dwarf beans
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
Blanch the Beans: Wash and trim the beans. Blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a light, refreshing side dish.
Growing and harvesting dwarf beans is a rewarding experience for both beginner and seasoned gardeners alike. Try out the varieties available from Kings Seeds NZ and enjoy the fresh taste of homegrown beans in your next meal!
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