Long beans, also known as yard-long beans or snake beans, are a type of vining plant that produces long, slender pods. Native to Asia, long beans are now grown throughout the tropics and subtropics. Long beans are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed all year long. They are especially popular in the summertime when they are in season. But did you know that you can grow your own long beans right at home? It’s easy to do, and with these seven tips, you’ll be able to produce prolific amounts of this tasty veggie.
1. Start with healthy soil
The first step to growing any plant is to make sure that the soil is healthy. This means that it needs to be loose and aerated so that the roots can easily spread out and take in nutrients. If your soil is too compacted, your plants will not be able to grow as well.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best soil for growing long beans in hot weather. One important consideration is the amount of organic matter in the soil. Long beans require a lot of nitrogen, so it is essential to choose soil with a good amount of organic matter, such as compost or manure.
You should also make sure that the soil is well-drained, as long beans will not thrive in wet conditions. To improve drainage, you can add sand or perlite to the soil. It is also important to fertilize regularly, using a fertilizer high in nitrogen. Apply fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. With proper care, you can create the perfect conditions for growing an abundant crop of long beans.
2. Plant long beans in an area that gets plenty of sunlight
While they can tolerate some shade, long beans need full sun to produce a bountiful crop. Ideally, they should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Long beans are a warm-season crop, so they should be planted after the last frost date in your area.
Long bean plants need about six hours of sunlight each day to remain healthy and produce an abundant crop of beans. The amount of sun the plants receive each day can affect the size, shape, and color of the beans. For example, long beans that receive too little sun may be smaller and less flavorful than those that receive adequate sunlight.
In addition, long bean plants that are grown in shade may be more susceptible to pests and diseases. However, too much sun can also be detrimental to long bean plants, causing the leaves to scorch and the flowers to drop off. For best results, grow long beans in an area that receives full sun during the morning hours and partial sun during the afternoon.
3. Water regularly and deeply, but not too often
Most vegetable gardens need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. To make sure your long beans are getting enough water, check the soil around the plants weekly. The soil should be moist, but not soggy. If the soil is dry, give the plants a deep watering. Be careful not to get the leaves wet when you water in the evening, as this can promote fungal growth. Being a serial over waterer I use my VIVOSUN Soil Tester, 3-in-1 Plant Moisture Meter Light and PH Tester every day in the garden.
When it comes to watering methods, both sprinklers and soaker hoses can be effective. Sprinklers are ideal for covering large areas, while soaker hoses are less likely to waste water and can be easily directed to specific plantings. Ultimately, the best watering method is one that meets the needs of your garden and your plants. Getting plants through our hot Phoenix summers used to be a challenge until I finally tried a sprinkler at dawn and dusk. The water evaporating from the mulch keeps the plants a little cooler. Added bonus the number of pests on leaves was cut back dramatically. So far the Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler has worked best for us.
4. Provide support for the plants as they grow
One of the best ways to support your long bean plants is to provide them with a trellis. By doing this, you will not only be able to encourage longer and straighter growth, but you will also be able to keep the plants off of the ground where they are more likely to rot or be attacked by pests. There are a few different trellis designs that you can use, and the best one for you will depend on the amount of space that you have available.
For example, if you have a small garden, then a simple A-frame trellis might be all that you need. On the other hand, if you have a larger garden, then you might want to consider something like a teepee trellis or a wall-mounted trellis. Alternatively, if you have a large garden, you might want to opt for a freestanding trellis. Whichever design you choose, make sure that it is strong enough to support the weight of the long beans. Otherwise, you risk damaging the plants.
5. Improve bean quality by pruning the vine
Pruning your long bean vine will indeed result in larger beans, you’ll want to give your long bean vine a little extra attention when it comes to pruning. But you don’t want to prune too much, or you’ll decrease the overall yield. So, light pruning is all that’s needed.
First, remove any dead or damaged leaves, as these can sap nutrients from the rest of the plant. Next, cut back any side shoots that are developing – these take energy away from the main stem, which is where you want the plant’s energy to be focused. Finally, thin out the leaves so that they’re spaced evenly along the stem. This will ensure that each individual leaf is getting enough sunlight and air circulation. With a little extra care, you can encourage your long bean vine to produce large, hearty beans.
6. Harvest frequently to encourage more production
You can tell when the beans are ready to harvest when they’re about 4-6 inches long and have turned from green to yellowish-brown. You can tell when long beans are ready to be harvested by looking for plump, firm pods that are free of blemishes.
As for the harvesting frequency, you should be able to get 2-3 pickings before the plants start to fade. It’s best to harvest long beans every 7-10 days. This will ensure that the beans are of the highest quality and haven’t lost any of their flavor. If you wait too long to harvest, the beans will become tough and stringy.
7. Use organic methods to control pests and diseases
Long bean plants are susceptible to a number of different pests and diseases. One of the most common is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powder on the leaves and can eventually lead to leaf death. Another common problem is black spot, which appears as dark spots on the foliage and can likewise cause leaf death. Both of these problems can be controlled with organic methods such as neem oil or sulfur-based fungicides. Fungal diseases can often be prevented by increasing air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Aphids are another common pest that can attack long bean plants. They are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, and they can quickly become a problem in large numbers. Whiteflies and spider mites can also wreak havoc. Organic methods of control include insecticidal soap or ladybugs, which feed on aphids. Whiteflies can be controlled with yellow sticky traps.
Finally, long bean plants can be affected by viruses, which are spread by pests such as aphids. There is no cure for a virus, so the best course of action is to remove affected plants and prevent further spread by controlling pests.
8. How to store seeds at the end of the season
If you want your long bean plants to produce a bountiful harvest next season, it’s important to store the seeds properly. By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure that your seeds will remain viable for many years to come. First, thoroughly clean the seeds to remove any dirt or debris. Next, spread the seeds out on a paper towel and allow them to air dry completely.
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of stored seeds, so it’s important to keep them as dry as possible. Once they’re dry, store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. If possible, place a desiccant such as silica gel in the container to help absorb any moisture. With proper care, your long bean seeds will be ready to plant when the time comes.
9. Enjoy fresh homegrown long beans in the kitchen!
While fresh long beans are delicious no matter how you prepare them, there are a few methods that tend to work best. One of the simplest and most popular ways to enjoy fresh long beans is to simply steam them. There are many different ways to enjoy fresh long beans, depending on your preferences. Another popular method is to blanch them quickly in boiling water, then shock them in ice water to preserve their bright green color. This also gives them a slightly crisp texture that works well in salads or as a raw vegetable side dish.
If you prefer your long beans to be cooked all the way through, a great option is to sautee the beans in a little olive oil. This brings out their slightly nutty flavor and makes them a bit more tender. Long beans can also be pickled or canned, giving them a shelf life of months or even years. Quick stir-fries are a classic way to enjoy long beans. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, fresh long beans are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
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Long Bean Resources
VIVOSUN Soil Tester, 3-in-1 Plant Moisture Meter Light and PH Tester for Garden
Where to find Long Bean seeds