In this post, I have decided to add on to our ever growing list of types of beans that we grow in our garden. We have already looked at how to grow green beans and also the how to grow the fava beans. I don’t know what has taken me so long to feature how to grow pinto beans in your garden.

This type of bean is native to Mexico, so typically it grows well in warmer and drier areas. Interesting enough, they are available in both bush or pole varieties. If you are involved with companion gardening which you should be, then you want to grow them with celery, cucumbers or strawberries.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• pinto bean seeds
• compost
• black plastic
• trellis or poles
• compost tea

As with most beans, it is better to sow them directly into the ground to avoid having to transplant them. However since pinto beans need between 3 to 5 months to fully mature, it maybe necessary to start them off in containers and then transfer them when the soil is warm enough. They require well drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Apply your compost sparingly into the soil, before planting your seeds.

In order to speed up germination, it is recommended that you soak the beans overnight. The next day plant each seed about 4 to 6 inches apart, 1 and a half inches into the ground with the eye facing down in rows 2 feet apart. Water well, and allow up to 14 days for germination.

Remember these beans do well in drier climates, therefore only water after the soil dries out. Keep an eye out for mildew or other fungal diseases. You can harvest while they are still green or leave them to dry out on the vines. I prefer the pole varieties though, which mature over time and can be harvested slowly for up to 8 weeks. Bush beans on the other hand, will all need to be harvested at the same time.

You can find more information on the Gardening Know How blog, here…

How To Grow Pinto Beans

You can watch the video on how to growing and harvesting pinto beans…

You can watch the video on how to grow pinto beans…

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