Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are a delicious and nutritious legume that can be a rewarding addition to your garden. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, growing lima beans is quite straightforward once you know the basics. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to grow lima beans, from choosing the right spot to harvesting your crop.
What Are Lima Beans?
Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) come in two main types: bush and pole varieties. Bush lima beans grow on compact, short plants and mature faster, usually within 60 to 70 days. Pole lima beans grow on long vines that need support and take longer to mature, about 80 to 90 days, but often produce a larger yield. Both types are rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making them a healthy choice for your garden and kitchen.
Choosing the Perfect Spot for Lima Beans
Lima beans love warmth and sunshine. To grow them well, pick a garden location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, improve it by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage.
Make sure the soil temperature is warm enough before planting-ideally above 65°F (18°C) for good germination. Avoid planting lima beans in the same spot where other legumes have grown recently to reduce disease risk.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Remove rocks, sticks, and debris, then mix in several inches of organic matter like compost. This preparation ensures the soil is loose, fertile, and drains well, which is crucial for healthy root development.
Planting Lima Beans
– Timing: Plant lima beans after the last frost when the soil temperature consistently stays above 65°F. For most regions, this means late spring or early summer.
– Depth and spacing: Sow seeds about 1 to 1.5 inches deep. For bush varieties, space seeds 3 to 6 inches apart in rows 2 to 3 feet apart. Pole varieties need more space-plant seeds 6 to 12 inches apart near your support structure, with rows also 2 to 3 feet apart.
– Watering after planting: Water the soil well to keep it moist but not soggy.
Supporting Your Lima Beans
Pole lima beans are climbers and will need support to grow properly. Set up trellises, bamboo stakes, or teepees early in the growing season before the plants get too tall. This support keeps vines off the ground, improves air circulation, and makes harvesting easier.
Bush lima beans generally don’t require support but can benefit from tomato cages or light staking if they become heavy with pods.
Caring for Lima Beans
– Watering: Lima beans need about one inch of water per week, especially during flowering and pod development. Water early in the morning to keep foliage dry and reduce fungal disease risk.
– Mulching: Applying mulch helps retain soil moisture and keeps weeds at bay.
– Fertilizing: Lima beans fix their own nitrogen, so they don’t need much nitrogen fertilizer. However, a side dressing of compost or well-rotted manure mid-season can boost growth and soil health.
– Thinning: Once seedlings emerge, thin them to about 4 to 6 inches apart to give each plant enough room to thrive.
Propagating Lima Beans from Seeds
Most gardeners grow lima beans from seed. You can save seeds from mature pods by letting the pods dry on the plant until brittle, then removing the seeds and storing them in a cool, dry place for next season’s planting.
When and How to Harvest Lima Beans
Lima beans typically mature in 60 to 90 days depending on the variety. Harvest the pods when they are bright green, firm, and tender. Younger pods have the best flavor and texture. Avoid letting pods get old and woody, as this affects taste.
For longer harvests, plant lima beans successively every 2 to 3 weeks. After picking, store unshelled beans in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or shell and freeze them for longer storage.
Growing lima beans is a rewarding gardening experience that brings tasty, nutritious beans to your table. With the right location, soil preparation, and care, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of buttery lima beans in your own backyard. Happy gardening!