Bean Phaseolus vulgaris

Beans are a heavily hybridized garden vegetable in the Fabaceae (bean) family.  They may take a climbing, trailing, or bush-like form. Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, Phaseolus vulgaris prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soils. 

Beans make an excellent addition to a home vegetable garden. While it depends on the variety, seedlings should be transplanted once the first true leaves have emerged and individual plants should be spaced between 6 inches and 3 feet apart. 

This genus is commercially divided into four categories, including wax beans, dry beans, shelling beans, and popping beans. All beans are ecologically beneficial as they form a symbiotic relationship between nodules on their roots and nitrogen fixing bacteria called rhizobia.  This bacteria adds much needed nitrogen back into soil profiles.  Beans also form another symbiotic relationship in their roots with mycorrhizal fungi.  The mycorrhizal fungi gain carbon from the host plant and in turn they increase the root surface area allowing for better uptake of water and nutrients, especially slow moving phosphorus.  

Pests, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.