Did you know there are over 60 varieties of green beans, and that all of them can be divided into two main categories? While gardeners have been enjoying the deliciousness of bush beans for quite some time now, pole beans are becoming increasingly popular as well. So what’s the difference between these two types of green beans and how do you decide which one is right for your garden? In this blog post, we will explore their similarities and differences to provide a comprehensive look at pole vs bush beans.
What are Pole Beans?
Pole Beans are a variety of beans that differ from the regular “bush” beans in terms of the growth style. Pole Beans, instead of sprawling out like bush beans, climb vertically. This allows Pole Beans to produce more yields in smaller spaces, as Pole Bean plants are capable of growing up to 8 ft tall.
Pole Beans also tend to have a longer harvest season than their bush bean counterparts, usually producing for 40 days or more. While Pole Beans can be harvested within two to three weeks after planting, it might take up to two months before all Pole Bean vines are overflowing with juicy pods loaded with tender awesomeness!
What are Bush Beans?
Bush Beans are a special type of bean, most commonly classified into the same family as string beans. Bush Beans produce a large, round pod that is filled with edible seeds with thin skins and a tasty flavor. These beans are easy to grow, as they do not require support systems like other beans, and they mature relatively quickly compared to pole varieties. Bush Beans can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, or roasted, making them ideal for soups and salads or cooked in a variety of dishes. With their versatile nature and nutritional value, Bush Beans are an excellent addition to many meals.
Difference between Pole Beans and Bush Beans
Pole Beans and Bush Beans are two common types of bean plants, but they differ quite a bit from one another.
- Pole Beans require support structures such as poles or cages for the vines to climb, while Bush Beans remain low-growing and do not need any additional support.
- Pole Beans generally produce for longer periods of time than Bush Beans, however, the harvest period is much more spread out over an extended period of time.
- Pole Beans also tend to produce more beans at one time than Bush Beans, although they may need to be harvested several times throughout the season.
- Bush Beans are typically less labor intensive since they do not require additional support; all you need to do is plant, fertilize and harvest!
As with all gardening, it is important to choose the type of bean best suited for your specific needs and climate in order to yield successful harvests.
Conclusion
Bush beans are shorter than pole beans and have a more compact growth habit. They don’t need any kind of support, unlike pole beans which require something to climb on. Bush beans also mature earlier than pole beans, so if you’re looking for a quicker harvest, bush beans are the way to go. Are you debating between growing bush beans or pole beans in your garden this year? Try out both and see which type gives you the tastier results!
