Do you want an affordable, easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal space? Dwarf (French) beans are perfect to grow in the UK, especially for our warm and dry but short-lived summers. The best part is, because Dwarf beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, your soil will be in significantly better shape after growing them.
French beans come in dwarf varieties and climbing varieties, which are grown the same way as runner beans, this page is focusing on the dwarf varieties.
Read on to learn more about how to grow dwarf (French) beans, the problems to look out for, when to grow dwarf beans and sowing tips to get the best yield.
Growing Dwarf (French) Beans is simple, space-saving, and perfectly suited to the UK climate. They’re quick to mature and ideal for gardeners of all levels and here’s how to grow them:
French beans are a good source of vitamins, fibres, iron and potassium. Young French beans can be eaten raw, or they can be lightly sautéed or stir-fried. They can be a great addition to casseroles and pies. Here are three types of dwarf beans:
French beans are part of the legume family and can be sown early indoors to be planted out or sown directly once the threat of frosts has passed. Unlike runner beans, dwarf beans do not require much support as they only grow to approximately 2 feet tall; a small cane may help, but it is not always necessary.
You can start sowing French beans indoors from late April, then harden off the plants before moving them outdoors. To directly sow outdoors, you must wait until the ground is completely defrosted. The best time would be between late May and early June.
You can also cover the young seedlings with cloches or horticultural fleece if the temperature during the night drops.
To learn when to pick dwarf (French) beans, look for the appearance of flowers, approximately 8 to 12 weeks from sowing time. Pick the beans regularly to encourage re-growth. You will likely be able to harvest a plentiful crop every 2-4 days in the height of the season. Carefully pull the bean off the plant, taking care not to break the plant.
Dwarf beans can be frozen, with the exception of yellow varieties. You can also dry them out for the seeds. It’s important you make sure they are completely dried out. You can leave them on the plant longer for them to swell first.
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