Crop Rotation Group
Legumes (Pea and Bean family)
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Soil
Average, well drained soil.
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Position
Full sun.
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Frost tolerant
Warm-season annuals, cannot tolerate frost.
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Feeding
Mix an organic fertiliser into the soil before planting, using rates given on the label. Supplemental fertiliser seldom required.
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Companions
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Spacing
Single Plants: 25cm (9") each way (minimum)
Rows: 15cm (5") with 35cm (1' 1") row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Plant seeds 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart two weeks or more after the last frost has passed. Grow climbing varieties in warm climates, but stick with faster-maturing bush varieties where summers are short. Will probably need to the protection of a polytunnel or greenhouse in cooler climates.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Butter beans need plenty of hot weather. They are most productive in warm climates.
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Harvesting
For fresh eating, gather pods when they feel well-filled with seeds, and are slightly leathery. Buttern beans for dry storage can be left on the plants until they change from green to tan.
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Troubleshooting
Slow growth due to cool temperatures is common, but pest problems are rare. Butter beans are easy to grow in warm climates.
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