Yes, you can plant green beans in July for a fall harvest, a gardening practice known as succession planting. This late-season sowing is effective because beans thrive in the warm soil temperatures of mid-summer, which encourages rapid germination and growth. Successfully timing this crop requires careful planning to ensure the plants mature and produce a full yield before the first average frost date.
Why July Planting Requires Specific Planning
July planting shifts the focus from avoiding spring frost to beating the autumn cold. Gardeners must precisely calculate the number of days remaining until the expected first frost in their specific region.
You must choose a bean variety whose “Days to Maturity” (DTM) is significantly shorter than the available growing window. For example, if your first average frost is October 20th and you plant on July 15th, you have approximately 97 days. You should select a bean with a DTM of 60 days or less to allow time for a substantial harvest. It is prudent to select a variety with a DTM at least two to three weeks shorter than your window, as bean development can slow in the cooler temperatures of late September.
Selecting Quick-Maturing Green Bean Varieties
Choosing the right bean type is crucial for a compressed growing window, distinguishing between bush and pole varieties. Bush beans are recommended for July planting because they are determinate, growing compactly and producing their crop within a short, concentrated period, typically maturing in 50 to 60 days. This faster timeline ensures production finishes before the season ends.
Pole beans are indeterminate, climbing on a trellis and producing over a much longer period, with a DTM often ranging from 60 to 80 or more days, making them a higher frost risk. Look for bush bean cultivars like ‘Provider’ (around 50 days) or ‘Contender’ (50 to 55 days), known for their speed and ability to germinate well in warm soil. French filet varieties, such as ‘Maxibel’, are also excellent choices, often maturing in about 50 days with slender pods.
Detailed Planting Steps for Summer Heat
Planting in July requires specific adjustments to overcome the challenges of intense summer heat, concerning soil moisture and temperature. Green bean seeds require a soil temperature of at least 60°F for germination, a condition easily met in July, but the upper layers of soil can dry out quickly.
Begin by amending the planting area with several inches of aged compost or other organic matter to improve moisture retention. Sow the seeds slightly deeper than a spring planting, about 1 to 1.5 inches deep, to help them access cooler, more consistent moisture in the soil.
Consistent and deep watering is necessary for summer-planted beans, especially during the first few weeks to ensure germination. Water deeply immediately after planting, and maintain a lightly moist soil surface until the seedlings emerge, which typically takes seven to ten days.
Once the seedlings are established, apply a two to three-inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the plants. This mulch layer insulates the shallow bean roots from scorching heat and significantly reduces water evaporation from the soil surface.
Expecting Your Fall Green Bean Harvest
Your fall harvest window will begin in late September and continue into October, depending on your variety’s DTM and the local climate. Bush beans deliver their crop quickly, so harvest consistently to maximize yield before the first hard frost.
Start picking the beans when the pods are firm, about three to five inches long, and before the seeds inside begin to bulge. Harvesting every day or two encourages the plant to produce more pods, extending the yield as long as possible.
As the weather cools, be observant for late-season issues like rust or spider mites, which can appear as the plants are stressed by changing conditions. If the forecast predicts a light frost, covering the bean plants with a row cover or old sheet overnight can provide several extra weeks of harvest time, as beans cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.