Is It Too Late to Plant Green Beans?

Green beans are a popular vegetable to grow in home gardens. Their sweet flavor and crisp texture make them a tasty addition to salads, side dishes and main courses. However, there is a limited window for planting green beans if you want to harvest a crop before winter arrives. This article will examine when it’s too late to plant green beans for a fall harvest.

When is the Last Time to Plant Green Beans?

Green beans are warm season vegetables that require warm soil to germinate and grow properly. They are damaged by frost and cold temperatures. Most sources recommend planting green beans no later than 8-10 weeks before your first expected fall frost date. This gives enough time for the beans to mature and produce pods before the cold weather arrives.

Some key factors to consider for your last planting date:

• Your region’s first fall frost date – This is the pivotal marker for determining when it’s too late for planting Count back 8-10 weeks from your average first frost to find your cutoff date

• Green bean variety – Short season bush beans (50-60 days to maturity) can be planted later than longer season pole beans Choose quick maturing varieties for late summer plantings

• Sunlight hours – Declining sunlight in fall means slower growth Add a week or two to your maturity date to allow for this

• Soil temperature – Beans require warm soil (at least 60°F) to germinate well. This may limit late plantings in some cooler regions.

Tips for Successful Late Plantings

If your cutoff date hasn’t passed yet, you can still try for a fall green bean harvest. Here are some tips:

• Stick to bush bean varieties with 50-60 days to maturity. Good options are Provider, Contender, Bush Blue Lake 274.

• Prepare soil well by mixing in 1-2 inches of compost to optimize fertility and retention of heat.

• Use row covers or cold frames to protect plants if cold temperatures arrive early.

• Harvest beans frequently as they mature. The plant will continue producing if pods are picked often.

• Expect a smaller harvest from late plantings vs. spring/summer crops. But you can still get a useful supplemental crop.

When it’s Too Late…Other Options

If it’s past your planting cutoff date, consider overwintering green beans or planting a cover crop in that area instead. Some options:

• Overwinter bush bean varieties that are more cold hardy (Black Valentine, Cherokee Trail of Tears).

• Plant clover, vetch, rye as a cover crop to improve soil nutrition for next spring.

• Sow fava beans – they can withstand colder temps and add nitrogen to the soil.

While patience may be required, you can still enjoy fresh green beans in fall if timing allows. Pay close attention to frost dates, sunlight hours, and soil temperature to determine if it’s too late or still viable for planting green beans in late summer. With the right conditions and quick maturing varieties, a fall bean harvest can extend the gardening season.