When To Pick Pole Beans? (When Are Pole Beans Ready to Harvest)
Growing pole beans in a backyard garden can be an exciting and rewarding experience. From the moment they are planted, there is an eager anticipation of when the beans will reach their peak ripeness and be ready to harvest.
Knowing when to pick pole beans is an essential part of the growing process, though it can often seem confusing to those who are new to gardening.
There is no one answer that fits all situations. The time to harvest depends on the type, the season, and the end product you want.
In this article, we will explore the best time to pick pole beans and what signs you should be looking for when it comes to harvest time. In addition to that, we will look at the best time of the day to pick them up and the correct way to harvest.
What are Pole Beans?
Bush beans and pole beans are the two varieties of beans. Bush beans are grown on short, compact plants with thick stems and multiple branches. They usually grow to be about two feet tall on the ground.
Pole beans grow on a vine, unlike bush beans, which are typically short-statured plants. The vines can reach heights of 10–15 feet when fully mature, making them ideal for growing on support poles or trellises.
Compared to regular bush beans, pole beans have the advantage of providing higher yields that can be grown in a smaller space. With the right care and attention, pole beans can be one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow in your garden.
Knowing what they are and how to care for them is essential for success in growing pole beans.
When to Pick Pole Beans: Ready to Harvest
It’s that time of the year again: pole bean harvesting time! If you’ve been growing pole beans, it can be tricky to know when they’re ready to harvest.
Here is some helpful information on when to pick your green beans so that you get the most from your plants.
- Pole beans should have plump, round pods before being picked.
- The pods should also be dark green in color and have glossy, smooth skin; if there are any wrinkles or bulges on the pods, then wait a little longer before harvesting them.
- Your beans may have lumps running the length of them, which means the seeds inside have grown and the pod has become stringy.
- A good way to check when pole beans are ready to pick is by snapping off one or two of the larger pods and giving them a taste test.
Just like other types of beans, pole beans need to be checked regularly, as they can become overripe if left on the vine too long.
 |
|---|
| The beans should also be picked while they are still young and tender; this makes them easier to digest and more enjoyable to eat! If you wait too long, the bean’s skin may become tough, and it won’t taste as good. |
How Long Does It Take for Pole Beans To Produce
Most pole beans will be ready for picking 60 to 65 days after planting, depending on the variety.
This makes them one of the fastest-growing vegetables available and an ideal choice for those looking for a quick turnaround on their crops.
The location where green beans grow will determine the harvest yields. For the plants to grow well, they need full sun, enough water, and support, like bamboo poles or trellises. Once planted correctly and given enough time to mature, you can start harvesting your pole beans within two months from planting beans from seeds!
Best Time of Day to Pick Pole Bean
When it comes to picking green beans, timing is everything. The best time of day, according to experts and experienced farmers alike, is in the early morning before the sun has turned up the temperature.
This makes sure that the beans are at their plumpest and softest, and that they have soaked up as much dew as possible, making them fresher than ever.
Green beans are sweeter and juicier when they are picked in the morning. It also keeps them from getting too wet or waterlogged in the afternoon when it rains or if there is a lot of humidity.
Also, when farmers pick early, they can get into their fields sooner after planting, which means they can get a bigger harvest from their crops.
How to Pick Pole Beans
Harvesting pole green beans is a rewarding yet challenging task. If you’re looking to get the most out of your crop of pole green beans, there are a few important steps that you should take when it comes time to pick them.
Here’s how to pick them:
- Begin by inspecting each plant for signs of maturity before harvesting. Look for firm pods that have reached their full length and width.
- Hold the vine where the stem and vine connect in one hand, and the top of the green bean in the other.
- The green bean can be removed from the stem by pulling it gently off, or by pinching or slicing the stem just above the bean.
- If you pluck the pod too firmly, you risk tearing it where it joins the stem, which would affect how well the green bean stores. If you can take the pod off with your fingers, it’s ready to be harvested.
- For pole beans, pick near the base of the vine, where you should be able to easily pull off plenty of tender pods.
- If the plant is quite tall, you may harvest it by cutting the vine close to the base with a pair of garden shears.
With the right knowledge and effort, you can ensure that you get the best quality and taste from your fresh pole green beans.
How Often Should You Pick Pole Beans?
For gardeners who grow pole beans, knowing when and how often to pick the beans is essential for a successful harvest.
Pole beans are unique in that they continue to produce new pods over time instead of all at once like bush varieties. Therefore, picking on a regular basis will ensure the best results for your crop.
Experts and experienced growers say that pole beans should be picked about every two days to keep the plants producing beans all through the growing season.
This will also prevent overripeness from occurring; if left on the plant too long, bean pods can become tough and stringy. Additionally, leaving them on too long can cause blooms to stop appearing, meaning no more beans!
How to Store Green Beans After Picking?
The key to enjoying fresh green beans is knowing how to properly store them after picking.
Here are some tips on how to store your freshly-picked green beans so you can enjoy them for longer periods of time:
- First, check the beans for bruising, blemishes, insect damage, or signs of wilting after picking them. Only select the good ones.
- Then make sure the green beans have been properly washed and dried before storing them. This helps remove any dirt or debris that can cause spoilage if left on the beans.
- Once clean, spread out the beans in an even layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer for several hours or overnight. This will keep them from clumping together as well as help preserve their flavor and texture.
- Once frozen, transfer the beans into a freezer bag and seal tightly.
- Be sure to label the bag with the date so you know how old they are when you go to use them. They will keep for about three months this way.
