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How to Grow Asparagus Beans: Growing Yard Long Beans

Whether you call them asparagus beans, yard long beans, snake beans, or Chinese long beans, they are a staple in my hot summer garden. They thrive in heat and produce abundantly, making them an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a reliable crop. Not only are these beans easy to grow, but they are also packed with nutrients like protein, vitamin B, iron, and calcium. Follow these tips to grow asparagus beans successfully in your garden.

Article Outline:

• When to Plant Asparagus Beans
• Selecting the Right Location
• Planting and Caring for Asparagus Beans
• Support for Vertical Growth
• Harvesting Asparagus Beans
• Saving Seeds for Next Season

When to Plant Asparagus Beans

Asparagus beans are a warm-season crop. Wait until after the last frost, when the soil has warmed to at least 50˚F (10˚C). They need a long growing season with warm temperatures, so late spring to early summer is the ideal time to plant them. These beans need at least 75 days of frost-free weather to reach maturity, making them perfect for hot climates where other vegetables may struggle in the heat.

In areas like the low desert of Arizona, the optimal planting window for yard long beans is between March 15 and July. During this time, the beans will flourish even as summer temperatures climb.

Varieties to Try: (Click link for seeds)

• Orient Wonder Pole Yard Long Bean
• Chinese Yard Long Bean

Selecting the Right Location

Asparagus beans thrive in well-drained soil, and while they don’t require particularly rich soil, adding compost at planting will improve growth. You can also use a nitrogen-fixing inoculant on the seeds or in the soil to boost growth. No additional fertilizer is recommended.

Beans make excellent companions for cucumbers, especially since they help enrich the soil. For more ideas on what to plant near cucumbers, check out this post on cucumber companion plants.

Full sun is crucial, so choose a location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. In hot climates, a spot that offers shade during the hottest part of the day can help prevent plant stress.

These heat-loving beans grow best when the air temperature is between 77-95˚F (25-35˚C). To maximize yield, avoid planting yard long beans in areas where legumes (like peas or other beans) were grown the previous year to prevent soil-borne diseases.

Planting and Caring for Asparagus Beans

Like most beans, Asparagus beans prefer to be directly sown into the garden. They have shallow root systems that don’t transplant well, so avoiding starting them indoors is best. Plant the seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and space them 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) apart. For square-foot gardening, plant 5-9 per square.

Consistent moisture is vital for healthy plants. Water deeply once a week, increasing frequency in hot, dry weather. Be careful not to water the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases. Overwatering can cause root rot, so finding a balance is essential.

This crop also plays an important role in the Three Sisters Grow Bag Garden, a traditional companion planting method adapted for containers—learn how to incorporate it alongside corn and squash (or their alternatives) for best results.

Common Pests and Diseases of Yard Long Beans:

• Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and bean beetles can be problematic. Regularly check your plants for signs of infestation, and handpick pests to keep them under control.
• Diseases: Watch for bacterial blight and mosaic virus, which can be avoided by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding working in wet foliage.

Support for Vertical Growth

Asparagus beans are vigorous climbers, often reaching heights of 10-12 feet (3-3.6 m) or more. Plant your beans at the base of a trellis, fence, or cattle panel to support this growth. Be sure to put your supports in place at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later.

Growing yard long beans vertically helps manage their growth and keeps them off the ground, reducing disease risk. Vertical growth also makes harvesting easier and protects the beans from pests like pill bugs (rollie-pollies).

Harvesting Asparagus Beans

Although they’re often called “yard long” beans, you should harvest asparagus beans for the best flavor when they are about 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) long. Pick them while they are still slender and before the seeds inside fully develop. The flavor will deteriorate if the pods become soft or spongy, as the beans are over-mature.

To harvest, twist the beans off the vine rather than pulling them to avoid damaging the plant. These beans often grow in pairs at the terminal bud, and removing them gently will encourage further production.

Tip: Harvest yard long beans regularly to promote more beans. If you leave beans on the vine for too long, the plant will slow down production as it focuses on maturing its seeds.

Saving Yardlong Bean Seeds for Next Season

If you want to save seeds for next year, leave a few pods on the healthiest plants until the seeds inside are fully developed and the pods turn dry and papery. Once mature, remove the pods, shell the seeds, and store them in a cool, dry place. Seed-saving ensures you have a stock of asparagus beans ready to plant for the following growing season.

Whether you call them asparagus beans or yard long beans, they are a heat-loving, easy-to-grow crop that can add beauty and bounty to your summer garden. With the proper care, location, and attention to harvesting, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of these delicious, nutritious beans.

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