Since the beginning of time, gardeners have always been after one objective and one objective only: bigger harvests!
I mean…can anything really beat the happiness you get from a large, fulfilling harvest? I don’t think so.
If you’re someone who’s always struggled with achieving massive harvests, I feel your pain. Don’t worry, though, because you’re in the right place now!
Today, we’re going to discuss how you can harvest more beans from fewer plants and go over a few lesser-known secrets to achieving bigger, better harvests. Let’s jump straight into it, shall we?
Can You Really Get More Beans From Fewer Plants?
Yes, you can! If anything, my grandma’s backyard garden was proof that you can get more beans from fewer plants. It’s was a very small area, but the yield she manage to get from her bean plants every year often sends our friends and family into shock.
Contrary to popular belief, productivity isn’t about quantity; it’s about strategy and technique.
Healthy bean plants that are well fed, healthy, and looked after properly will, ofcourse, offer much bigger yields compared to neglected ones.
And if you’re into container growing too, here’s a post with tips to help your peppers thrive in small spaces, the same principles apply.
Proven Tips To Maximize Bean Yields In Small Spaces
Tip 1: Choose high-yielding varieties
Yeah…this one is a little obvious. Opt for varieties that have already proven to be excellent producers, such as ‘Provider’, ‘Contender’ (bush), or ‘Kentucky Wonder’ (pole).
Pole beans are sort of unique in the sense that they offer bigger yields over time and are a great pick for vertical gardening.
If you’re not sure which type to grow, here’s a quick comparison of bush beans vs. pole beans to help you decide what fits your space and harvest goals best.
Tip 2: Use vertical space wisely
Since most bean varieties have a vertical growth habit, a strong trellis or string support can effectively:
Most gardeners opt for pole beans to utilize vertical space.
Tip 3: Plant in rich, well-draining soil
As some of you may already know, beans are not really heavy feeders, meaning they can survive with little fertilizer application. Oftentimes, organic matter, like in the form of compost, is enough to get them going.
Tip 4: Pre-soak seeds before planting
Soaking your seeds in some room-temperature water before planting them can speed up the germination process ever so slightly and ensure even, uniform sprouting. This trick is especially useful if you’re dealing with cooler temperatures or compacted soil.
And if you’re also growing broccoli, here are a few tips to help you get tight, compact heads.
Tip 5: Succession plant for a longer harvest
If you want, you can plant another batch of seeds 2-3 weeks after the first. Doing so will ensure a consistent supply of beans throughout summer and possibly even early fall.
Tip 6: Water deeply, but infrequently
Everyone knows that deeper roots indicate stronger plants. If your bean roots are deep, water around the base and not on the leaves to reduce disease risk and hydrate the plants properly.
And if your plants start showing yellowing leaves, here’s what might be going on and how to fix it.
Tip 7: Harvest frequently and early
Though this may sound odd at first, you actually want to harvest your beans earlier and more often in order to achieve bigger harvests. Picking regularly pushes the plant to produce more. DO NOT let the beans mature fully, or else the production can come to a sudden halt.
Tip 8: Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Mulching around the base is a popular technique gardeners use to keep the soil cool and moist during hotter periods. An added bonus of mulching is that it also suppresses weeds nearby.
Tip 9: Avoid overcrowding
One of the worst mistakes you can make with beans is jamming multiple plants in one place and expecting them to grow optimally. Give each plant enough space to expand and acquire proper sunlight. Overcrowded beans are likely to produce poor yields.
And if you’re also growing onions, here are some tips to help you grow bigger, healthier ones, spacing matters just as much there too.
Tip 10: Feed with compost or liquid seaweed
Although beans have nitrogen-fixing properties, they can still benefit from a nutrient boost during their flowering periods. Be gentle with feedings and try not to use harsh, chemical fertilizers that could harm the plants.
Tip 11: Prune lower leaves and suckers (pole beans only)
Pruning the lower leaves allows for better air circulation in the lower extremities of the plant. It also helps redirect more energy towards flower and pod production.
Use These Bean Types For Small Gardens
And if you’re working with tight outdoor spaces, these tips for growing peppers outdoors might come in handy too, same small-space mindset, just different crop.
Let’s Conclude
As simple as it may seem to grow beans and enjoy large harvests, there are many newbies out there who don’t know what variables to optimize and end up with ridiculously small harvests till they give up on gardening entirely. Implementation of the right knowledge and tried-and-tested techniques is key to getting there.
Now, go give some of the tips above a try and let me know how it goes in the comments!
