[metmom]

I have a heck of a time getting beans to sprout.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Beans like warm soil, 60 degrees and higher for germination. If you’re planting too early in the Spring, that is 99% of the problem. The other 1% of the problem is chipmunks or squirrels stealing your bean seeds. ;)

You can also pre-sprout beans in wet paper towels inside of a zip-lock, or invest (under $10) in a soil thermometer. But, the great thing about beans is that you can continue to re-seed all through the growing season. :)

I am growing two poles of ‘Saychelles’ (green, pole) this season, but will do a planting of ‘Good Mother Stollard’ drying beans when my cucumbers are done. Cukes are just starting to climb and bloom for me.

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

Just some thoughts on beans. Get good seed. Buy some innoculant to plant with your beans. This is a bacteria that helps the beans and peas to fix nitrogen. Its about $10 for 1 1/2 oz at Jungs. There are other sources

Figure out how many beans you will need for your rows and pre-soak them. Cover completely in water for 1/2 a daym drain them and put the wet beans in an open ziplock bag with some paper towels to keep them damp. Should ready to plant 1 or 2 days later. I try to wait until I see a few roots poking out of one side of the bean which gives you confirmation that your seed is viable.

Sprinkle your damp sprouting bean seeds with innoculant (it looks like dirt) If its showing I try to plant the bean with the root side pointing downward. . If you have more of the screened soil use that to cover your beans. Water with a gently spray. You could put some old boards put them over the row to conserve moisture for just a couple of days, but remove them after that or you start to collect pill bugs that will eat your young plants. Keep them watered and they should start popping up. Good luck!