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Requirements to Grow Beans
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A well-drained preferably limey soil and
at least half sunlight.
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Planting time for Growing Beans
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In tropical districts sow all seasons, in
temperate areas from late September to late February ad in cool
climates from October to January.
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Cultivation for Beans
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Prior to sowing lightly dig in a dressing
of fowl manure that has been heaped for several weeks or about half a
cup of complete plant food per sq. m. Some grower prefer to confine the
fertilizer to a strip scattered along the base of furrows made 4-5 cm
either side of the seed.
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If sowing in built-up beds allows 2 rows
per meter-wide bed, setting each row about 20 cm from the edge. Two to
3 m of single row would normally supply enough beans for a family of
four for 2-3 weeks; for long beds it would be preferable to plant each
row 2-3 weeks apart.
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For continuity of supply it is a good
idea to sow at these intervals or in temperate areas until about late
February. To minimize gaps in the rows, sow 2 seeds about 2 cm apart
every 10 cm along the row. No need for thinning if both seeds germinate
in each planting.
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General Care
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Hill the soil up around the base of dwarf
beans when they reach the half-grown stage or about 25 cm high. Give a
thorough but gentle soaking when the soil dries out for 1-2cm below the
surface.
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Quantity and quality of the beans will be
improved if given a soaking with water-soluble plant food when the
first beans have formed.
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Lightly misting the foliage at the end of
a hot, dry day helps setting of flowers and deters red spider.
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These mites are difficult to pick with
the naked eye but their presence is indicated by a dull yellowing or a
dry sand-blasted appearance to the foliage.
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If the infestation is heavy, there may be
some webbing and a reddish zone where the mites are clustered near the
leaf margins.
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If chemical control is needed, use
Malathion, spraying the underside of the leaf or use penetrating
insecticides, e.g. Lebaycid or Rogor. Before spraying, read label and
observe the directions.