Bean Seeds

Bean Seeds FAQs

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Bean Seeds in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.

When to Plant Bean Seeds

Bean seeds should be sown directly outdoors after the last frost has passed, usually from late April to early June, depending on your location in the UK. Beans are warm-weather crops that require soil temperatures of at least 10°C to germinate, so it's important to wait until the soil has warmed up before sowing. You can also start beans indoors in late April and transplant the seedlings outdoors once the weather is reliably warm.

How to Grow Beans from Seed

To grow beans from seed, start by preparing your garden bed or containers with well-draining soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. Sow the seeds about 2.5cm deep and space them 10-15cm apart, depending on the variety. For climbing beans, provide support such as canes or a trellis, as these plants will need something to climb as they grow. Water the seeds well after planting, and keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds have germinated, which usually takes about 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings are established, mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Beans thrive in full sun and benefit from regular watering, especially during dry spells.

How Long Does It Take to Harvest Beans?

The time to harvest beans depends on the variety, but most beans are ready to pick within 60 to 90 days after sowing. For green beans (also known as French beans), you can start harvesting when the pods are young and tender, before the seeds inside have fully developed. For shelling beans or dry beans, allow the pods to mature fully on the plant until they become dry and brittle. Regular harvesting of green beans encourages the plants to produce more pods, extending the harvest period.

Why Grow Beans from Seed?

Growing beans from seed is a cost-effective and straightforward way to enjoy fresh, home-grown produce. It also allows you to choose from a wide variety of bean types, including runner beans, French beans, and broad beans, as well as more unusual varieties that may not be available as seedlings. Starting from seed gives you control over the entire growing process, ensuring your plants are healthy and adapted to your garden conditions. Additionally, beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they enrich the soil by adding nitrogen, which benefits other crops in your garden.

Where Can You Grow Beans?

Beans are versatile plants that can be grown in a variety of locations, including vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers. They thrive in full sun and prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Climbing beans can be grown along fences, trellises, or canes, making them ideal for smaller gardens where vertical space can be utilised. Bush varieties, which do not require support, are well-suited to smaller spaces and container gardening. Beans can also be grown alongside other crops like corn and squash in companion planting schemes, where they can help improve soil fertility and support the growth of neighbouring plants.

Why Buy Bean Seeds from Marshalls?

• Our customers are supported by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable advice. You can also use our growing guides, backed by 70 years of experience, to get the best results from your Bean Seeds.
• You can contact us six days a week – including bank holidays – to discuss our products and services or to chat about all things gardening.
• We pride ourselves on offering fast delivery on all orders, with any 'in stock' plants and seeds sent out within three working days. We're green-fingered in more ways than one, too, thanks to our fully recyclable packaging.
• We won second place at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards for Best Online Retailer.
• Thousands of five-star reviews on Feefo and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.