The ‘Blue Lake’ variety of green bean is a favorite among home gardeners, prized for its robust flavor and adaptability. Unlike pole beans, Blue Lake Bush Beans grow in a compact, self-supporting form, eliminating the need for trellising or staking. This cultivar produces heavy yields of straight, medium-green pods that are stringless when harvested young. Their vigorous growth and productivity make them an excellent choice for new and experienced vegetable growers alike.
Site Selection and Soil Requirements
Successful cultivation of Blue Lake Bush Beans requires a location that receives ample sunlight. These plants need a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sun daily to maximize pod production. Ensure the planting area is away from tall structures or dense tree canopies so the necessary light intensity reaches the foliage.
The underlying soil structure is important for establishing a healthy root system. Bush beans thrive in well-drained loamy soil, which prevents waterlogging and fungal diseases like root rot. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0, as this slightly acidic to neutral environment optimizes nutrient availability.
Before sowing, amend the planting bed by incorporating well-rotted compost or aged manure into the top six to eight inches of soil. This organic matter improves structure, aeration, and water retention. Since beans fix atmospheric nitrogen, applying high-nitrogen fertilizers before planting can inhibit this natural process and encourage excessive leaf growth instead of bean development.
Planting Procedures and Spacing
The appropriate time for sowing Blue Lake Bush Beans depends on local climate and soil temperature. Planting must commence only after the final spring frost has passed, as bean seeds are susceptible to cold damage. The soil temperature must consistently register at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (about 16 degrees Celsius) for reliable germination.
Seeds should be placed into the prepared soil at a depth of one to two inches. Proper spacing is necessary to allow air circulation and maximize sunlight exposure. Space the seeds four to six inches apart within the row.
When establishing multiple rows, maintain two to three feet between them to allow for easy access and prevent crowding. After sowing and gently firming the soil, thoroughly water the planting area. This initial saturation triggers germination and establishes contact between the seed and the moist soil particles.
Essential Care During the Growing Season
Maintaining consistent moisture levels is important for the health and productivity of Blue Lake Bush Beans. The plants require uniform watering, especially when they begin to flower and during pod development. Erratic watering, such as cycles of extreme dryness followed by saturation, stresses the plants and can lead to flower drop or poorly formed beans.
Applying water directly to the base of the plants, such as through drip irrigation or soaker hoses, is preferable to overhead sprinkling. Keeping the foliage dry helps reduce the incidence of fungal diseases like bean rust. A two-to-three-inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed competition.
Regarding nutrition, these beans are light feeders and generally do not require supplemental fertilizer. As legumes, they form a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria, which converts atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. If a soil test indicates a deficiency, a low-nitrogen fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium can be applied sparingly to support flower and pod formation.
Gardeners should remain vigilant for common pests, including Mexican bean beetles, which chew lace-like holes in the leaves. Hand-picking the adult beetles and their egg clusters is often the most effective non-chemical control method. Practicing crop rotation, where beans are not planted in the same location year after year, helps disrupt the life cycles of soil-borne diseases.
Knowing When and How to Harvest
Blue Lake Bush Beans are typically ready for their first harvest approximately 50 to 60 days after planting. The correct stage for picking is when the pods are young, tender, and snap cleanly when bent. The outer skin should appear smooth and firm, indicating the internal seeds have not yet fully developed.
A bean is past its prime for fresh eating when the outline of the internal seeds visibly bulges along the pod. Harvesting at this later stage results in a tougher texture. Consistent and regular picking is necessary to maximize the overall yield from the bush.
Aim to harvest every few days to prevent the pods from becoming overripe on the vine. Overripe pods signal the plant to slow or cease further flower production. When removing the pods, use two hands: gently twist the bean off the stem with one hand while holding the main branch steady with the other. This technique prevents accidental damage to the brittle stems, ensuring the bush continues to produce new blossoms and beans.