Planting Fall Beans

It is time to consider planting fall beans. We have seeds for bush beans, pole beans, dry beans, fava beans, soy beans, and yard long beans. Fall is the time of year when we get our very best beans.

Planting fall beans can include the Fava bean, our largest bean.

Planting Fall Beans - 9/8-9/14/2025

Have you ever wondered why experienced gardeners swear by their fall bean harvests? Let me share a secret with you – planting fall beans truly produces the most spectacular results of the entire growing season. When the scorching summer heat begins to fade and cooler temperatures arrive, your bean plants will thrive like never before, giving you the most productive and flavorful harvest you've ever experienced.

If you're living in a warmer climate like Texas, you're in for a real treat because fall bean planting opens up incredible opportunities that many northern gardeners simply can't enjoy. The extended growing season means you can plant beans well into autumn and still expect a bountiful harvest before the first frost arrives.

Growing fall beans isn't just about extending your gardening season – it's about discovering the absolute best time to cultivate these nutritious powerhouses. The cooler temperatures, reduced pest pressure, and more consistent moisture levels create perfect conditions for bean plants to flourish and produce their finest yields.

You might be thinking it's too late to start planting beans now, but I'm here to tell you that's simply not true. With quality seeds from David's Garden Seeds, you can still plant and enjoy a fantastic fall bean harvest that will provide fresh eating, plus plenty extra for preserving through canning, freezing, or even freeze-drying.

Pole beans like to climb. Ours are climbing up tomato cages.

The beauty of planting fall beans lies in the incredible variety you can grow. Bush beans, pole beans, dry beans, lima beans, soy beans, fava beans, and yard long beans all perform exceptionally well during the fall season, each offering unique flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits that will enhance your meals throughout the winter months.

When I first discovered the magic of fall bean gardening, I was amazed at how much more productive my plants became compared to my spring and summer plantings. The plants seemed healthier, the pods were fuller, and the flavors were more intense – it was like discovering a completely new way to garden.

Bush beans are perhaps the easiest place to start your fall bean adventure. These compact, self-supporting plants don't require any trellising or staking, making them perfect for beginners or gardeners with limited space. They typically mature in 50-60 days, which gives you plenty of time for a fall harvest.

Blue Lake 274 bush beans are a favorite.

When planting bush beans in fall, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil that has been enriched with compost or aged manure. The soil temperature should be at least 60°F for optimal germination, which is usually perfect during early fall in warmer climates.

Plant your bush bean seeds about 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches wide. This spacing allows for good air circulation, which becomes especially important as humidity levels can be higher during fall months.

Bush beans prefer consistent moisture but not waterlogged conditions. Water them deeply once or twice per week, depending on rainfall, and always water at the base of the plants to prevent leaf diseases that can be more common in the cooler, more humid fall weather.

One of the greatest advantages of bush beans is their determinate growth habit, meaning they produce most of their crop within a 2-3 week period. This concentrated harvest makes them ideal for preserving large quantities at once, whether you're planning to can, freeze, or dry your beans.

Pole beans offer a completely different growing experience and are perfect if you want to maximize your harvest in a small space. These vigorous climbers can reach 6-10 feet tall and will continue producing beans throughout the fall season until frost arrives.

Before planting pole beans, you'll need to install sturdy support structures. Bamboo poles, wooden stakes, or metal trellises work well, but make sure they're at least 8 feet tall and securely anchored because mature pole bean plants can become quite heavy with their abundant foliage and pods.

Plant pole bean seeds at the base of each support, spacing them about 6 inches apart. You can plant 3-4 seeds around each pole or stake, then thin to the strongest 2-3 plants once they've established. The seeds should be planted about 1 inch deep in well-prepared soil.

Pole beans require the same soil conditions as bush beans but need more consistent watering due to their larger size and longer growing season. Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds that might compete with your beans.

The beauty of pole beans lies in their continuous harvest potential. Unlike bush beans that produce all at once, pole beans will keep producing fresh pods for weeks or even months, giving you a steady supply of fresh beans for your table throughout the fall season.

Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are true fall favorites that actually prefer the cooler temperatures that come with autumn planting. These large, creamy beans are packed with protein and have a rich, satisfying flavor that makes them perfect for hearty fall meals.

Lima beans need a longer growing season than snap beans, typically requiring 75-90 days to maturity, so timing is crucial for fall planting. In warmer climates, you can plant them in late summer for a fall harvest, but make sure you have enough frost-free days remaining.

Plant lima bean seeds 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows spaced 2-3 feet apart. These beans are more sensitive to cold and wet conditions than other bean varieties, so ensure your soil drains well and wait for consistently warm weather before planting.

Lima beans require consistent moisture throughout their growing season, but be careful not to overwater, especially during cooler fall weather when soil takes longer to dry out. Water deeply but less frequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Both bush and pole varieties of lima beans are available, so you can choose based on your space and support preferences. Pole limas typically produce higher yields and have a longer harvest season, while bush limas mature more quickly and are easier to manage.

Fava beans, also called broad beans, are truly exceptional fall performers that actually prefer cool weather and can even tolerate light frosts. These protein-rich beans have a unique, slightly nutty flavor and are considered a delicacy in many cuisines around the world.

Unlike other beans, fava beans thrive in cooler temperatures and can be planted later in the fall than most other varieties. In fact, they often perform better when planted in fall rather than spring, as they don't handle hot summer weather well.

Plant fava bean seeds 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in double rows with 12 inches between the rows. These plants can grow quite tall (3-4 feet) and may need some support, especially in windy areas, so consider installing stakes or low trellises.

Fava beans actually improve your soil by fixing nitrogen through their root nodules, making them excellent rotation crops that will benefit whatever you plant in that area next season. They're also relatively pest-free and disease-resistant, making them low-maintenance additions to your fall garden.

The pods of fava beans are quite large and fuzzy, and the beans inside have a tough outer skin that's typically removed before eating. This extra step is worth it for the creamy, rich flavor that develops, especially when the beans are allowed to mature fully on the plant.

Soybeans might not be the first crop you think of for home gardens, but they're incredibly rewarding to grow and offer exceptional nutritional value. These versatile beans can be harvested young as edamame or allowed to mature for dry soybeans that can be stored for months.

When growing soybeans for fall harvest, choose varieties specifically bred for your climate zone and day-length requirements. Soybeans are sensitive to photoperiod, meaning they flower based on the length of daylight, so selecting the right variety is crucial for success.

Plant soybean seeds about 1 inch deep and 2-4 inches apart in rows spaced 18-30 inches apart. These plants will bush out as they grow, eventually forming a dense canopy that helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Soybeans are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but they produce the best yields with consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod development. Like other legumes, they fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizers.

For edamame harvest, pick the pods when they're plump and bright green but before they begin to yellow. For dry soybeans, allow the pods to turn brown and rattle when shaken, then harvest the entire plant and hang it to finish drying in a well-ventilated area.

Dry beans encompass many varieties including navy beans, black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans. These are grown specifically to be harvested when fully mature and dried, providing protein-rich storage crops that can last for years when properly stored.

The key to successful dry bean production is allowing the pods to mature completely on the plant until they turn brown and papery. This requires a long, frost-free growing season, making fall planting in warmer climates ideal for this purpose.

Plant dry bean seeds using the same spacing and depth as bush beans, but choose varieties known for their storage qualities and disease resistance. Many heirloom varieties make excellent dry beans and offer unique colors, patterns, and flavors.

Dry beans need consistent moisture during their growing season but should be allowed to dry down naturally as harvest approaches. Reduce watering as the pods begin to turn yellow and stop watering entirely once they start browning.

Harvest dry beans when the pods are completely dry and brittle. You can either pick individual pods as they ripen or cut the entire plant when most pods are ready. Proper timing ensures maximum storage life and prevents mold or spoilage issues.

Lima beans for fresh eating should be harvested when the pods are plump and well-filled but still bright green. The beans inside should be fully developed but not hard. For dry lima beans, wait until the pods turn brown and papery.

Edamame soybeans are ready when the pods are bright green and plump, typically about 90-100 days from planting. The beans inside should fill the pods completely but still be tender. Harvest by cutting the entire plant or picking individual pods.

Yard long beans, also known as Chinese long beans or snake beans, are fascinating vegetables that can produce pods up to 3 feet long. These heat-loving plants are perfect for fall growing in warm climates and offer a unique addition to your bean harvest.

Despite their impressive length, yard long beans are actually more closely related to black-eyed peas than to common beans. They're vigorous climbers that require strong support structures and can reach heights of 10-12 feet when grown on tall trellises.

Plant yard long bean seeds 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart at the base of sturdy supports. These plants are heavy producers and the long pods can add significant weight to your trellis system, so make sure your supports are well-anchored and robust.

Yard long beans prefer hot weather and consistent moisture. They're more heat-tolerant than common beans, making them excellent choices for late summer and early fall planting in areas where other beans might struggle with residual heat.

Harvest yard long beans when the pods are young and tender, typically when they're 12-18 inches long. At this stage, they're crisp and flavorful, perfect for stir-fries and Asian-inspired dishes. If left too long, the pods become tough and fibrous.

Knowing when and how to harvest your fall beans is crucial for getting the best flavor and maximizing your storage potential. Different types of beans require different harvesting techniques and timing, so understanding these differences will help you get the most from your garden.

For fresh eating beans like snap beans and yard long beans, harvest them when the pods are young, tender, and the seeds inside are still small. The pods should snap crisply when bent, and you should be able to see the small seed outlines through the pod wall.

Dragon's Tongue dry beans are colorful.

For all dry beans, including soybeans, navy beans, and other storage varieties, wait until the pods are completely dry and brown on the plant. The beans inside should rattle when you shake the pods, and they should be hard and fully colored.

Always harvest beans during dry weather when possible, as wet pods are more likely to develop mold and storage problems. Early morning after the dew has dried is often the best time, when plants are well-hydrated but surface moisture has evaporated.

Once you've harvested your fall beans, proper storage becomes essential for maintaining quality and extending shelf life. Fresh beans can be stored in several ways, each offering different advantages depending on how you plan to use them and how long you want to store them.

For short-term storage of fresh beans, keep them in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator's crisper drawer. Most fresh beans will maintain good quality for 5-7 days when stored this way, though some varieties like yard long beans may only last 3-4 days.

By planting fall beans, you will be able to pick fresh beans for your Thanksgiving green bean casserole like I do.

Blanching and freezing is one of the best methods for storing fall beans long-term. Start by washing your beans and trimming the ends, then cut them into 1-2 inch pieces. Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process.

After blanching, drain the beans thoroughly and pat them dry before packaging in freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and label with the date and variety. Properly blanched and frozen beans will maintain good quality for 8-12 months.

Canning beans requires a pressure canner due to their low acidity. Wash and trim fresh beans, then pack them into sterilized jars with boiling water, leaving 1-inch headspace. Process pints for 20 minutes and quarts for 25 minutes at 10 pounds pressure (adjust for altitude).

For dry beans, proper drying and storage is crucial for long-term success. After harvesting, remove the beans from their pods and spread them on screens or trays in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area. They should dry until they contain about 15% moisture.

Test dry beans for proper moisture content by biting one – it should be hard enough that your teeth can't dent it easily. Properly dried beans can be stored in airtight containers in cool, dry locations for 2-3 years while maintaining good quality and nutritional value.

Freeze-drying is becoming increasingly popular for storing fall beans and offers the longest storage life of any preservation method. While home freeze-drying equipment is expensive, the results can last 25-30 years when properly stored, making it ideal for long-term food storage.

Remember that growing fall beans and storing fall beans successfully requires attention to detail and proper timing, but the rewards are tremendous. With quality seeds from David's Garden Seeds and the techniques outlined here, you'll discover why so many gardeners consider fall their favorite bean-growing season. The combination of ideal growing conditions, reduced pest pressure, and multiple storage options makes planting fall beans one of the most satisfying and productive gardening activities you can undertake in warmer climates.

Monday, September 8, 2025

Good morning. It is a new week and we are talking about planting fall beans as you saw in the article above. David and I always plant beans in the fall and they are the best beans of the entire year, plentiful and flavorful. There is nothing as good as a garden fresh green bean in the fall!

Today is my brother, John's, birthday. So happy birthday, John!

This morning, the local employment agency is sending someone over at 10am for an interview. This will be a temporary, part time position counting seeds and stuffing seeds into envelopes and sealing the envelopes.

I think the hard part for the employment agency is finding someone without visible tattoos and piercings other than one earring per ear on a female. It seems that every young person these days has multiple piercings and visible tattoos and that is something David will not have on people he pays.

But most importantly, the person cannot smoke or vape. David had asthma as a child. It wasn't until his parents quit smoking that the asthma went away. He can smell the smoke on clothes and cannot tolerate it. We are a no smoking and no vaping employer.

Well, the candidate came. We could tell right away the candidate had not been vetted by the employment agency. It was a no-go.

A man just came by and bought our last shed, the barn shed. So that is that.

We worked until 7pm pulling and filling orders, counting seeds, and making envelopes. The animals are doing well.

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Well, it is almost 5pm. I thought I went on here this morning but I did not. We left the farm early this morning because we had doctor appointments. David had a good visit. The doctor is putting me on some new pills...fun times.

Tomorrow, we get to see the dentist. Yay! (Not really.)

We got back and I tackled orders while David and Matt tackled seeds. I was able to get a lot of old orders out today because seeds we needed came in. We did not have any visitors at all except for the mailman and the FedEx man.

We left the farm around 6:15pm to attend a meeting this evening.

The sky was still pink when we got out of the meeting early.

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Goodness! It is already Wednesday! I took some salmon out of the freezer for tonight. I found Trump in my closet munching on one of my dress shoes. Somebody special took down the fence to give him access to the entire house and I was in my room with the door open, not realizing the fence was down.

Sue Ellen started barking when I was in the kitchen making breakfast and I asked if Matt was here so early. He was because a couple of men are here removing the fence up in front so the sheds can get out of here. I had no idea anyone was coming so early.

David texted someone about coming for a job interview this morning. We have to go to town later on for dental cleanings and to do some other fun errands. It should be a very busy day.

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Friday, September 12, 2025

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Sunday, September 14. 2025

Return from Planting Fall Beans to Year Seven Of Farm Life

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