Kidney beans, scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris, belong to the legume family and are a popular choice among gardeners and home vegetable growers. When it comes to the growth habit of kidney beans, they can be classified as either bush beans or pole beans, depending on how they grow and their preferred support system.
1. Bush Beans:
Bush beans are kidney beans that grow as low bushes, typically reaching a height of about 1-2 feet. They have a more compact growth habit and do not require any support or trellis to climb on. Bush beans are generally easier to grow and maintain as they are self-supporting and do not need additional structures.
Planting bush beans in your garden provides several advantages. Their compact size makes them suitable for smaller spaces, such as raised beds or containers. They are also easier to harvest since the beans are closer to the ground, making it convenient to pick them. Additionally, bush beans tend to mature earlier than pole beans, resulting in a shorter growing season.
2. Pole Beans:
Pole beans, on the other hand, are kidney beans that grow as climbing vines and require support to reach their full potential. As the name suggests, they need a trellis, fence, or other vertical structures to grow upwards. These structures can be made from bamboo, wooden stakes, or wire mesh, allowing the vines to climb and twine around them.
Pole beans have a more vigorous growth habit and can reach heights of up to 6-10 feet, depending on the variety. They produce longer vines and tend to have a higher yield compared to bush beans. However, they require more space and planning to accommodate the trellis or support structure.
When it comes to deciding between bush beans and pole beans, consider your garden space, personal preference, and gardening goals. If you have limited space or prefer a more compact plant, bush beans are a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you have ample space and enjoy the aesthetic appeal of climbing vines, pole beans can be a great addition to your garden.
In my personal experience, I have grown both bush beans and pole beans in my vegetable garden. I found that bush beans were more convenient for smaller gardens or when I wanted a quicker harvest. They also required less maintenance as I didn’t need to construct or maintain any trellis. Pole beans, however, provided a beautiful vertical element in my garden and produced a higher yield overall.
To summarize, kidney beans can be grown as either bush beans or pole beans. Bush beans are low-growing, self-supporting plants, while pole beans are climbing vines that require a trellis or support structure. Consider your space, preference, and gardening goals when choosing between the two.
