Here are the top tips for growing pole beans. For more detailed information, keep reading below.

• Support: Before planting, build a 6- to 8-foot-tall tripod or other trellis for your beans to climb.
• Timing & Location: Plant pole beans in a spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun when soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F.
• Soil: Improve your garden soil by mixing in a 3-inch layer of Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil.
• Planting: Plant 3 to 5 seeds 2 to 3 inches apart around the base of each pole.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting.
• Feeding: Beginning a month after planting, feed regularly with Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food.
• Harvesting: Begin harvesting beans about 60-65 days after planting, picking every few days for the best taste. 

Pole beans are nutrient-rich and surprisingly easy to grow. Unlike bush beans that grow on the ground, pole beans grow upward on supports, which means they take up less space in the garden. Plus, they produce continuously once they start bearing pods, so you only have to plant them once to enjoy fresh, tasty beans all summer. Pole beans also tend to have a more distinct and nutty taste than bush beans. Runner beans, lima beans, yardlong beans, and winged beans are all types of pole beans. 

When and Where to Plant Pole Beans

Pole beans need full sun, so plant them in a place that gets 6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day. Because of their climbing habit, pole beans do best when grown in-ground or in raised beds rather than in containers.

Wait to plant until soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F, which usually means after the last spring frost. Before planting, improve the soil in your garden beds by working a 3-inch layer of aged compost-enriched Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil into the top 6 inches of the existing soil.

How to Plant Pole Beans

Pole beans are climbers, so the first step—before you even plant a seed—is to build their support structure. A simple solution is to create a tripod by fastening three 6 to 8-foot-tall stakes together at the top. You can also use a pre-made trellis.

Once the support is in place, plant three to five seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart around the base of each pole. Water thoroughly after planting. Pole beans do not transplant well and should be started from seed directly in your garden beds.

How to Care for Pole Bean Plants

Pole beans take a while to grow and produce, so make sure you're taking care of your plants while you're waiting for the harvest.

• Watering: Pole beans need a lot of water to grow. Check the soil regularly and water whenever the top inch of soil is dry to maintain consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting.
• Feeding: In addition to nutrient-rich soil, provide your pole beans with regular feedings. A month after planting, start feeding your pole beans with Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food, following the label directions.
• Weeding: Carefully weed around young bean plants to prevent weeds from stealing sunlight, water, and nutrients. Once the bean plants are 3 to 4 inches tall, apply a 3-inch layer of Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Natural Mulch to help suppress weeds.

How to Harvest Pole Beans

Most types of pole beans are ready for harvest 60 to 65 days after planting. They will continue to produce until the first frost, so be sure to pick beans every few days for the best tenderness. Pinch or cut the pods off carefully to avoid uprooting the plants while they are still producing. 

Use Pole Beans in Your Kitchen

There's a lot you can do with pole beans. They're often used as a side dish and can be grilled, sauteed, or even roasted. For a simple and flavorful side, try making Grilled Green Beans with Lemon Dressing. You can also add them to soups or stews for added fresh flavor.

Growing pole beans is easy and rewarding. Your patience at the start of the season will result in a crop of delicious beans that you can enjoy all summer long.