Leggy Green Bean Seedlings

by Pamela
(Grafton, WI)

I planted my green beans in jiffy trays and after only 5 days the seedlings are very leggy.

I understand they are reaching for the light and I have moved them to a brighter location in the house.

It is still too cold to plant outdoors. Should I start over or can I plant them in pots deep; up to the seedling leaf?


ANSWER:


Hi Pamela,

Green beans sprout and grow very quickly at the right temperature.

Usually it is best to just wait until the soil warms up in the late spring/early summer, and plant the bean seeds directly in your garden.

They will sprout and grow quickly, and be ready for harvest in 50-60 days.

Green bean plants do not transplant very easily. They grow so quickly that it is problematic to start them indoors before planting time, as you will need to transplant them several times before it is time to plant them in the garden.

You could try planting these seedlings in large containers if you have a sunny place to keep them. You really have nothing (except some potting soil!) to lose. You might get some early green beans!

As long as you are experimenting, try planting some of them deep and see what happens. I have never tried this, so don't whether it will work or not.

Good luck; let me know what happens...