Okra, green bean seeds

48simple · Joined: 20 Aug 2005 Posts: 16 Location: Sachse,TEXAS

When should seeds of okra and green beans be started and set out side?

Tricky Grama · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 8:46 am Post subject: beans & okra

48simple-
Howard's plant book says to plant beans in spring after all danger of frost has past. (for me, that's always a few days AFTER I planted something :) ) Same for okra except it says best when soil temp is b/w 75 & 90 degrees. Average last freeze date for DFW is 3/23.
Patty

greenbeans · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 30 Location: Dallas,TEXAS

To 48Simple,
I have never grown okra, but do grow green beans every year, and I plant the seeds directly in the garden usually between Mar 17 and Apr 14, depending on how cold the winter has been. This year has been strange to say the least - 20's and ice a few weeks ago, then 93 the other day, all with a severe lack of rainfall, so this spring will be a challenge for growing vegetables I think. Good luck and hope this helps you!

Tony M · Joined: 31 Mar 2003 Posts: 1088 Location: McKinney,TEXAS

Greenbeans-
Can you describe you planting techniques. As an example, how deep, do you innoculate the beans first, varieties. staking, etc? Where do you live, what climate.
Tony M

greenbeans · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 30 Location: Dallas,TEXAS

Tony M,
I live in Dallas and have raised garden boxes for my veggies. The greenbeans go directly from the seed packets into the ground, planted 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep. The distance between the rows is 18-24 inches. I use the snap bush beans which do not need to be staked, but some years the bushes grow tall enough that they get supported by various pieces of fencing pushed into the ground a few inches from the row of plants to support them. Hope that makes sense. Even in a small home garden, you can grow and harvest so many beans that you can blanche and freeze them and enjoy "fresh" beans for many months. Beats the heck out of grocery store vegetables, and it is fun to do.

Tony M · Joined: 31 Mar 2003 Posts: 1088 Location: McKinney,TEXAS

What variety and where do you purchase your seeds?
I have a huge garden with tons of vegetables but have never had much luck with greenbeans.
Tony M

Marsha · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 6 Location: Valley Mills

Has anyone tried planting pinto beans directly from the bag that you buy in the store ? My family has done this for generations and that's how I plant mine. They produce a thick, nice looking plant and produce an abundance of green beans. They have such a wonderful flavor. :D [/i][/b]