In my experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have found that pole beans generally produce a higher yield compared to bush beans. This is primarily due to the fact that pole beans are larger plants with longer vines, allowing them to produce more beans over a longer period of time.
When it comes to productivity, pole beans have the advantage of growing vertically, utilizing vertical space more efficiently. By training them on trellises, stakes, or other supports, pole beans can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet or even more. This vertical growth enables them to capture more sunlight and maximize their photosynthetic capacity, resulting in increased bean production.
On the other hand, bush beans tend to grow in a more compact and bushy manner, without requiring any support. They typically reach a height of about 1 to 2 feet. While bush beans still produce a decent amount of beans, their overall yield is generally lower compared to pole beans.
To give you a more concrete idea of the yield difference, let’s consider a 10-foot row of both pole beans and bush beans, with plants spaced 2 inches apart. This spacing allows for adequate air circulation and access to sunlight for each plant. In these conditions, you can expect a 10-foot row of bush beans to produce around 4 to 5 pounds of green beans, depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions.
In contrast, a 10-foot row of pole beans is likely to yield more beans. Due to their vertical growth habit, pole beans can produce a larger number of pods per plant. This increased pod production contributes to a higher overall yield. However, it is important to note that the specific yield can vary depending on factors such as the cultivar, soil quality, climate, and care given to the plants.
In my personal experience, I have seen pole beans outperform bush beans in terms of both quantity and quality of beans produced. The vertical growth of pole beans not only saves space in the garden but also makes harvesting easier, as the beans are at a more accessible height. Furthermore, pole beans often have a longer harvest period compared to bush beans, allowing for a more extended picking season.
While both pole beans and bush beans can provide a satisfying harvest, pole beans generally have a higher productivity due to their vertical growth habit and ability to produce more pods per plant. However, it’s important to consider specific cultivars, growing conditions, and personal preferences when deciding which type of bean to grow in your garden.
