Paul Bongarzone

I love to eat. Thanksgiving, naturally, was a most appreciated holiday growing up. I would, essentially, eat all items offered at the table every last Thursday of November. One unfortunate omission, however, was green bean casserole. This was unfortunate not only because I allowed the odd appearance and makeup of the tasty dish steer me away, but also because green beans are just great!

Enjoying green beans, or snap beans, is not exclusive to the fall. They are a warm-season crop found in salads galore in spring and summer. They require a soil temperature of at least 60 degrees for germination, so you may plant here in South Louisiana mid-February to mid-May. Planting after May could be problematic, with poor germination if the soil is above 95 degrees, as well as the dropping of flowers if the air temperature is above 85 degrees.

Phaseolus vulgaris is available for a second act in August and September. Being mindful of soil temperature requirements for direct-seeding and the limits of bloom heat tolerance, plant pole green beans in August and bush green beans in September. Pole and bush are the two main types of green beans, differing in size and growth habit. Pole beans are indeterminate, growing over eight feet in height. While pole beans are more heat tolerant and make fruit for a longer period, they require the support of stakes, trellises, wires, fencing, or the like. Bush beans are determinate, producing a terminal bud and growing to be shorter and compact.

Kentucky Blue and McCaslan are recommended pole green bean varieties, as is Rattlesnake, offering a purple and green mottled striping. Due to their vertical growth and support needs, plant six inches apart. Bush Blue Lake 274, Bronco, Provider, Contender, and Strike are recommended bush green bean varieties, as is Roma II, producing an Italian flat bean, and Royal Burgundy, a maker of purple pods. Plant these 18 inches apart. Germination should occur for both pole beans and snap beans within two weeks.

Be it a casserole or a salad, as green beans nourish us, we must nourish them! Fertilize with 2-5 pounds of 8-8-8 per 100 feet of row. Like other legumes, green beans are able to gather nitrogen from interaction with microorganisms in the soil. Thus, do not overfertilize! Doing so is likely to delay fruiting. Be certain that the site you select has a soil pH of 5.5 – 6.8, drains well, and receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Different soil textures may yield a good harvest, as long as there is no crusting, which interferes with the emergence of the seedling.

Green beans are delicious, hence the references to their consumption peppered throughout. These natives of Central and South America, however, were once exclusively valued as an ornamental by Europeans. This is understandable, considering the beauty of the tiny flowers found in hues of white, pink, and purple. The delicate petals unfurl like a substantially more appealing deconstructed box of Chinese take-out.

The green bean flowers are botanically perfect. They should reliably self-pollinate, resulting in the desired pods. Bush beans should be ready to harvest 50 – 55 days from planting and pole beans should be ready in 60 – 65 days. Harvest prior to pods becoming tough, displaying bulging beans. Tender, immature bush bean pods should be harvested 2 – 3 times every few days and pole bean pods should be harvested 7 – 10 times every 5 – 7 days. Pod length will vary by variety. Carefully removing all pods, even the overmature, promotes continued production.

Not only delicious are these beans, but nutritious, too! Snap beans are a quality source of vitamins C and A, potassium, as well as fiber and protein. The beans that do not make this year’s holiday menu may be stored unwashed in the refrigerator, sealed in a plastic bag. They should remain in good condition for 7 – 10 days. Drying, canning, and freezing are alternative options.

Quicker to plant, quicker to eat! Also, quicker to plant, better chance to avoid insect infestations. Stink bugs, aphids, and spider mites are among common insect pests to monitor. Weed control and sound management practices are beneficial. Among common fungal diseases are anthracnose, southern blight, and root rot, as well as common bean mosaic virus. Selecting disease-resistant varieties will aid in their avoidance.

Article for publication November 22, 2023