As summer progresses there are fewer warm-season crops that you will be able to plant and still have a dependable harvest. A late planting of beans is one crop you can usually plant in mid-summer and still get a harvest.
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Green beans are a warm-season vegetable that do best when planted in late spring or early summer But what if you didn’t get your seeds in the ground during the ideal window? Is it too late to plant green beans if you missed the early summer planting time? The short answer is it depends. With careful planning, you can still get a good late crop of green beans.
Factors That Determine If It’s Too Late to Plant
Several factors play into whether it’s too late in the season to plant green beans
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Your region’s climate and first fall frost date – The further north you live, the shorter your warm growing season. Plan to plant beans 50-70 days before your average first fall frost Southern gardeners have more leeway
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Green bean variety – Pole beans and other long-season types need more time to mature. Opt for fast-maturing bush bean varieties if planting late.
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Time already invested in other crops – If your garden space is maxed out, it’s probably too late to add beans. Prioritize fall crops like lettuce and brassicas instead.
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Motivation level – Be honest about whether you have the energy for a late crop. It takes effort to keep beans watered and producing through summer heat.
How Late Can You Plant Green Beans?
Guidelines on last planting dates for green beans:
- Northern states: Between June 15-July 1
- Middle states: July 1-July 15
- Southern states: July 15-August 1
These dates are general guidelines. Check with local experts to dial in your optimal late planting window.
When planting for a fall harvest, get beans in the ground 8-10 weeks before your first expected fall frost. Fast-maturing bush beans planted in late summer can produce until cold weather sets in.
Tips for Successful Late Plantings
If your analysis suggests you can still get a late green bean crop, use these tips to boost success:
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Choose short-season bush bean varieties that mature quickly. Good options include Provider, Contender, and Derby.
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Use row covers to help moderate soil temperature. Prevent soil from overheating or getting too cool.
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Provide trellises and supports. Sturdy tepees or cages prevent sprawling plants.
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Prioritize consistent soil moisture with drip irrigation or diligent watering. Beans need steady water.
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Scout for pests like bean beetles that thrive in mid-summer. Be prepared to manage them organically.
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Harvest frequently to encourage more pod production. Don’t let beans over-mature.
Late green bean plantings can still produce if timed right and cared for properly. Make an honest assessment of your climate and motivation before planting. With heat-loving varieties, protection from temperature swings, and attentive care, you can harvest beans well into summer or early fall.
A late planting of beans
When putting in a late planting of beans you need to keep a couple of things in mind.
1. The days to maturity of the variety you have chosen. 2. The declining amount of sun as you move towards fall.
What varieties to choose for a late planting of beans
In order to be successful with a late planting you really need to have at least 75 days until your first real threat of frost.
This also means you need to choose varieties that have a pretty short maturity date. Green beans will really be your only choice for a late planting of beans. And I would recommend that you choose bush varieties, not pole beans.
Bush beans spend a lot less time growing plant material and seem to just get into the business of growing beans a lot quicker. There are a lot of tasty varieties of bush beans that have maturity dates right around 60 days. I would suggest choosing one of these varieties. To learn more about growing green beans check out my complete guide to green beans!
Homestead Garden Tips: Planting Beans – Is It Too Late To Start?
FAQ
How late can you plant green beans?
Green beans require warm soils to germinate and can’t tolerate frosts, freezes, or hot temperatures so should be planted no later than August for a fall crop. Green beans pollinate and set pods best when the temperatures are in the 70s.
Is it too late to plant beans in May?
You may think it’s too late to grow all your favorite vegetables from seeds, but warm May temperatures have made the soil perfect for sowing seeds. Warm soil will allow for fast germination and growing plants! Good choices are summertime kitchen garden staples like squash, beans, cucumbers and melons.
Can I plant green beans in summer?
Direct sow or plant beans outdoors when the soil temperature reaches 60 degrees F and air temperature 65 – 85 degrees F. Bush beans can be sown every 3 weeks for a continuous harvest throughout summer and pole beans can be harvested from mid-summer into fall.
What happens if you plant seeds in July?
If your summer is flying by and you haven’t gotten to everything on your to do list, it is not too late to plant seeds. July is actually an optimal time as the ground is warm and the daytime and nightime temperatures are warm so your seeds will germinate faster and your plants will grow very well.