Introduction
French beans, also known as green beans or snap beans, are a popular and versatile vegetable that can be grown in the southeast of the UK. With their crisp texture and sweet flavour, French beans are a great addition to a variety of dishes. They are relatively easy to grow, making them a favourite among gardeners.
There are two types of French beans: climbing and dwarf. Dwarf beans are ideal for small spaces and early crops, thriving in both containers and garden beds.
Climbing beans require tall, sturdy supports and perform best when planted in the ground, though they can also be grown in large containers. Because they grow vertically, climbing beans yield a large crop from a small footprint.
Dwarf beans grow quickly but have a short cropping period, so it’s best to make repeat sowings for a continuous summer supply. Climbing beans take longer to mature but produce beans over a longer period, from mid-summer to early autumn, if harvested regularly. We recommend growing a mix of both types for the best results.
Why grow French beans?
French beans are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fibre. Growing your own ensures a fresh, pesticide-free supply, and they can be harvested over an extended period. They also improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, making them beneficial for crop rotation.
Suitability for different growing environments
French beans thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and prefer full sun. They can be grown in garden beds or containers, providing flexibility in garden planning, but dwarf varieties are the most suitable for containers. Support is often needed for climbing varieties, while bush varieties are more compact and self-supporting.
Lifecycle
French beans grow to nearly their full size before flowering. The flowers are self-fertile, so they don’t require insects for pollination. Dwarf beans have a brief harvest period of a few weeks, while climbing French beans produce for 6-8 weeks or even longer. French beans are annual plants grown from seeds. Their lifecycle, from sowing to harvesting, typically spans 8-12 weeks, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Sowing and harvesting periods
- Sowing: Late spring to midsummer (May to July)
- Harvesting: Summer to early autumn (July to October)
Recommended varieties
Popular French bean varieties for the UK include:
- ‘Cobra’ (climbing)
- ‘Tendergreen’ (bush)
- ‘Blue Lake’ (climbing)
How to sow
You can directly sow French bean seeds into prepared soil from late spring to midsummer. Plant seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and 3 inches (7.5 cm) apart in rows spaced 18 inches (45 cm) apart. Water well after sowing to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and they will germinate within a couple of weeks.
However, much like broad beans, mice like you to sow your beans direct in the ground and will thank you for an easy and tasty meal. So, you may do better to sow them in modules, germinate them indoors, and then move them to an unheated greenhouse/polytunnel and plant out at about 3 weeks old. Sowing in modules is also much quicker, reducing time to germination from 2-3 weeks to just a few days.
How to prick out/pot on
French bean seedlings do not require pricking out. Thin seedlings to 6 inches (15 cm) apart once they are large enough to handle, ensuring each plant has enough space to grow.
Where to plant
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve soil fertility.
How many to plant (spacing)
Plant French beans 6 inches (15 cm) apart within rows spaced 18 inches (45 cm) apart. Adequate spacing ensures plants have room to develop and facilitates airflow to minimise disease.
How to plant
Directly sow French bean seeds into prepared, weed-free soil. Cover lightly with soil, water gently, and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season.
Protecting your plants
Protect young French bean seedlings from late frosts with fleece or cloches. Monitor for pests like aphids and slugs, and use organic pest control methods such as handpicking and using slug traps.
How to feed and water
Water French beans consistently to prevent the roots from becoming tough or splitting. Apply a balanced fertiliser or compost before planting to provide essential nutrients. Avoid over-fertilising, as it can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of pod development.
How to propagate, prune/manage while growing
Thin seedlings to ensure proper spacing and promote robust growth. Remove weeds regularly to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Prune yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain plant health. When French bean plants are young, they may need some assistance to start winding onto their canes. A bit of string can help guide them, ensuring that you don’t end up with multiple beans wrapping around the same cane. In July, apply a thick mulch of manure or compost around the roots to help retain moisture.
When the beans reach the top of their canes, pinch out the growing tips and the tips of any side shoots to encourage bushier growth and more beans.
How and when to harvest
Harvest French beans when the pods are young and tender, typically 6 inches (15 cm) long. Gently pick the pods to avoid damaging the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production, so the more beans you pick, the more that will be produced.
How to store
Store harvested French beans in the refrigerator for up to a week. Blanch and freeze excess beans for longer storage. French beans can also be pickled for a tangy addition to meals.
How to eat/cook
French beans can be enjoyed raw, steamed, boiled, or stir-fried. They make a great addition to salads, casseroles, and side dishes. Try them sautéed with garlic and olive oil for a simple, delicious side.
How to deal with pests and disease
Monitor French bean plants for signs of pests like aphids, slugs, and spider mites. Use organic pest control methods such as handpicking pests and applying insecticidal soap. Rotate crops and practice good garden hygiene to prevent disease.
When and how to remove the plants
Remove French bean plants after the final harvest. Cut back foliage and add it to the compost. Leave the roots in the soil, as they have little nodules on them that contained nitrogen, but this is depleted by the time the beans have grown. Even so the roots contain plenty of organic matter.
What to plant before and after
Plant French beans after nitrogen-fixing legumes like peas or beans to improve soil fertility naturally. Avoid planting after other legumes to minimise disease and pest issues.
Follow French beans with leafy greens, brassicas, or root vegetables that benefit from nutrient-rich soil. Rotate crops annually to maximise soil health and productivity.
What to interplant with
Companion plant French beans with carrots, lettuce, or marigolds to deter pests and maximise garden space. These plants complement each other and promote overall garden health.