Amend Your Soil for Better Pole BeansBefore planting pole beans. amend the soil in your garden to improve its tilth and add nutrients. Work in a 1-inch layer of compost or other organic matter, such as Miracle-Gro® Organic Choice® Garden Soil.
Sow Pole Bean SeedsAfter the last spring frost, plant pole beans so they can climb poles 6-8 feet tall, with three poles arranged to form a tripod. Plant three to five seeds 2-3 inches apart around each pole.
Eliminate Weed CompetitionCarefully weed around young bean plants to prevent weeds from stealing sunlight, water, and nutrients from your beans. When you've removed all of the weeds and the bean plants are 3-4 inches tall, mulch the area with a layer of organic material. Water your plants regularly and evenly, especially during flowering and fruiting.
Pick Your Beans FrequentlyMost snap pole beans are ready for harvest 60-65 days after planting. They will continue to produce handfuls of 7- to 12-inch-long beans until frost, so pinch or cut the pods off carefully to avoid uprooting plants that are still producing. Pick fresh beans at least every few days for optimum tenderness.
Many gardeners prefer to grow pole beans because they take less space than bush beans, plus they produce continuously once they start bearing pods. That means you only have to plant them once in the spring to have fresh, tasty beans all summer.
