Growing black beans

Black beans are believed to originally have come from Mexico and South America and from there, they spread throughout the United States. They are not difficult to grow and can be relatively easy to grow in warm to hot climates. One of the things black beans do need is a loose soil condition to grow well in.

Getting ready

First, make sure that all signs of the last frost have passed for the planting zone where they are going to be planted. Then, decide the location of where in the yard or garden the rows of black beans are going to be planted. They will need to be planted in a location that gets plenty of direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. After that, dig and loosen all the soil in the row that is going to be used to plant the beans. Next, adjust the pH level.

Adjusting pH levels

Black beans need a soil that typically has a 6.0 to a 7.0 pH level. Testing the soil before planting is important to find out what the nutrient level in the soil is at. If the pH level is not 6.0 to 7.0, then fertilizers will have to be added to bring the pH to the recommended level.

Compost

Adding compost is the next step after the pH level has been tested and adjusted. Compost is needed to help maintain moisture and it helps keep the soil loose for the roots to grow. It will also help give added food to the plants as it breaks down in the soil. Be sure to mix the compost into the soil well to get it even throughout the row.

Introducing your seeds

It is now time to plant the black bean seeds in their new home. In the row, take a hoe or trowel and make a small trench about 1 inch in depth in the center of the row. Place 1 to 2 seeds approximately 4 inches apart all the way down the trench to the end of the row. Then, with some compost or the soil that was removed from the trench, cover all the seeds. Water the row and keep the row moist until the seeds begin to sprout from the ground. Then, water as needed, always making sure that the soil is kept continually moist.

Harvesting

It usually takes between 40 to 60 days before the beans are ready to harvest. Leave the pods on the plants until they are completely dry. When the pods are completely dry and crack open easily when squeezed, they are probably ready to harvest. Crack one open and look. If they are white, they need more time. If they are black, they are ready for harvesting.