Beans come in a range of different types, styles and tastes. Depending on the bean they can be used raw, steamed, boiled, baked and bottled, or in soups, casseroles and curries. Beans are relatively easy to grow.
Prepare
Choose a bean that suits your personal preference in terms of how you like to cook and what you like to eat. You can choose between runner beans, broad beans and French beans (climbing or dwarf), and each family has several varieties to select from. Beans are relatively easy to grow, and most enjoy the same type of conditions.
Shop Tui Bean Seeds - Dwarf French Crop Top & Dwarf Butter which don't take up too much space or need a big structure to grow up.
Refer to our Planting Calendar for when to plant beans in your region.
Plant
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Vegetable Mix. If planting in pots and containers, fill with Tui Vegetable Mix.
The best times to plant are early in the morning or late in the day, so the plants aren’t exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Planting in garden beds
• Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
• Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
• Partly fill the hole with Tui Vegetable Mix.
• Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
• Fill in with Tui Vegetable Mix.
• Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
• Water your plant well.
Planting in pots and containers
• Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
• Partly fill your container with Tui Vegetable Mix.
• Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the container.
• Fill your container with Tui Vegetable Mix up to 3cm from the top.
• Tap the container gently on the ground to settle the mix.
• Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
• Water your plant well.
Nourish
Feed your beans and they will feed you. Plants use nutrients from the soil as they grow, so replenishing the nutrients ensures your plants grow to their full potential.
Select a fertiliser specially blended for your crop like Tui Vegetable Food. Feed beans planted in pots and containers with Tui NovaTec Premium fertiliser. Well-watered, well-nourished beans will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay.
While your beans are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost.
Protect your plants from the elements with layers of Tui Pea Straw Mulch, to help keep their roots moist and keep your garden weed free.
Be vigilant and stop unwanted insects and diseases from ruining your plants. Slugs and snails can be an issue - lay Tui Quash slug and snail control around young plants.