Navy beans are a small, white, oval-shaped member of the common bean species, Phaseolus vulgaris. They earned their name because they were a staple food in the United States Navy diet during the 19th century due to their nutritional profile and storability. These dry beans are prized for their mild flavor and creamy texture, making them ideal for baked beans, soups, and stews. Growing navy beans at home offers a reliable harvest of this nutrient-dense legume.
Preparing the Planting Site
Navy beans require a site that receives full sun—at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily—to ensure robust growth and pod development. The soil needs to be well-draining, as the seeds and roots are prone to rot in soggy conditions. Loamy soil texture is best; avoid heavily compacted or clay-rich areas.
The ideal soil temperature for planting is warm, consistently above 60°F (16°C), with a preferred range of 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) for reliable germination. Planting too early in cool, damp soil will cause the seeds to fail before sprouting. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, between 6.0 and 7.0.
Before sowing, incorporate two to three inches of well-rotted compost or other organic matter into the top six inches of the bed to improve fertility and texture. Beans are legumes that fix their own nitrogen, so avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage excessive foliage growth instead of pod production. Applying a legume-specific inoculant to the seeds before planting can enhance the plant’s ability to fix nitrogen, especially if the soil has not hosted beans recently.
Planting and Early Growth
Navy beans should only be direct-sown into the garden bed, as they respond poorly to transplanting. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has achieved the necessary warmth. Sow the seeds one to two inches deep, ensuring they are firmly covered with soil.
Proper spacing is important to allow for air circulation and minimize the spread of disease. Space the individual seeds three to four inches apart within the row. If you are planting multiple rows, separate them by 18 to 24 inches to give the bush-type plants room to spread.
After planting, water the area thoroughly to settle the soil around the seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge, typically within eight to ten days. Once the seedlings develop their first true leaves, thin them to a final spacing of about six inches between plants. Thinning is best done by snipping the weaker seedlings at the soil line rather than pulling them, which prevents root disruption.
Mid-Season Care and Pest Management
Consistent moisture is necessary throughout the growing season, particularly when the plants begin to flower and form pods, as water stress significantly reduces the final yield. Provide about one inch of water per week, using drip irrigation or a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the base of the plants. Avoid overhead watering, especially in the evening, because wet foliage encourages fungal diseases like rust and white mold.
Weeding must be done with caution, as navy beans have shallow root systems easily damaged by deep cultivation. Use shallow, gentle weeding tools to remove competition, especially during the first six weeks of growth. Applying a two to three-inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, between the rows helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Scout for common bean pests, including Mexican bean beetles and aphids. Mexican bean beetles are coppery-brown with black spots; both adults and larvae chew holes in the leaves. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and can be controlled with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap. For diseases like rust, which appears as reddish-brown spots on the leaves, ensure good air circulation by maintaining proper spacing and promptly removing infected plant material.
Harvesting and Drying
Navy beans require a long season, typically 80 to 100 days, to reach dry maturity. The beans are ready for harvest only after they have fully dried on the plant. The plants signal readiness when the leaves turn yellow and drop, and the pods become straw-colored, dry, and brittle. When you shake a pod, you should hear the distinct rattle of the hard beans inside.
Harvesting should occur on a dry, sunny day to ensure the lowest possible moisture content. For bush varieties, cut or pull the entire plant from the ground once most of the pods are dry. If an early frost threatens, harvest the plants immediately and hang them upside down in a sheltered, well-ventilated location to complete the drying process.
After the plants are fully dry, the beans must be threshed, or shelled, from the pods. This can be done by hand or by placing the dried plants in a sack and gently beating it to separate the beans from the chaff. The final step is curing; spread the shelled beans in a single layer on a screen or tray in a warm, dry spot for one to two weeks to ensure they are completely dry. Store the dried beans in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, and keep them in a cool, dark location to prevent mold and maintain quality.