Bush beans are beginner-friendly, but that doesn’t mean you won’t face any trouble while growing them. Common issues include turning yellow, stunted growth, and leggy bush beans.
That last one, in particular, is quite a hassle. That’s why I took it upon myself to show why your beans are growing leggy stems and how to help them.
What Causes Leggy Bush Beans?
Let’s see what might cause your bush beans’ seedlings to grow leggy.
1- Insufficient Light
The most influential factor causing bush bean seedlings to grow leggy is light. You’ll find that this issue is more common with people growing their bush beans indoors or in shaded areas.
That’s because bush bean seedlings crave bright light. If they don’t receive the necessary amount every day, they won’t be able to carry out photosynthesis.
As a result, they won’t absorb the necessary nutrients to grow properly, which prompts the growth of leggy bush beans.
2- Poor Soil
Light isn’t the only element that provides bush bean seedlings with energy. Soil serves a similar purpose. That’s why you want to ensure you use the ideal type for your bush beans.
No, you can’t just use any generic mix and be done with it. Plants have different soil preferences depending on their water and nutrient needs.
If your soil doesn’t meet your bush beans’ needs, the seedlings won’t receive the necessary sustenance, which prompts leggy growth.
3- Inconsistent Watering
You’d be surprised how many new plant parents don’t know how to water their plants. Yes, there’s a right and wrong way to do it.
Some plant owners think watering plants every day helps them grow properly. That’s not true.
You see, plants are like people. Each type absorbs water at a different pace. Some need water every week, while others need it every month.
So, you want to identify your bush beans’ watering needs to avoid over/underwatering them. Overwatering suffocates the roots, preventing them from transferring water to the leaves.
As such, your bush beans won’t receive enough water to grow healthy leaves and stems, resulting in leggy bush beans.
On the other hand, if you underwater your plant, the roots will die from dehydration and won’t transfer nutrients to the leaves, prompting leggy growth.
4- Planting the Seeds Tightly Together
It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but you’d be surprised. Imagine going to a big family gathering, and the only food there is a bag of chips.
You won’t be able to eat as much as you want, and everyone will fight for a chip? It’s the same with bush beans.
If you plant them too close to each other, they’ll be competing to absorb water and nutrients. Some won’t receive enough sustenance to grow healthy stems/leaves, and you’ll end up with leggy bush beans.
5- Excess Heat
Look, bush bean seedlings like warm environments. It’s crucial for proper germination.
That doesn’t mean they like scorching heat, though. High temperatures prompt unbalanced growth where the stems grow faster than the leaves, causing that leggy appearance.
How to Prevent Your Bush Bean Seedlings from Growing Leggy
Now that you know what causes your seedlings to grow leggy, it’s time to learn how to prevent it.
1- Expose the Seedlings to Bright Light
Your first instinct when you notice leggy seedlings should be to check how much light they’re receiving. If you’re growing your plants in a shaded area, it might be time to move them.
Keep them somewhere with bright, direct light. Ideally, you want at least 12 hours of light exposure a day.
I know what you’re thinking: “What if I don’t have a spot that provides prolonged light exposure?” Well, note that I used the word “light,” not “sunlight.”
If prolonged sunlight isn’t an option, artificial light will be just as effective. The best part? You don’t need fancy gadgets.
A compact fluorescent light or an LED light will do the trick. They’re affordable, effective, and beginner-friendly.
Whatever type of light you use, you want it to have 6400+ kelvin and emit at least 2000 lumens of light energy.
The distance between the lights and the seeds should depend on the lamps. The stronger they are, the farther you can place them.
2- Use Well-Draining Soil
You want to use well-draining soil that traps enough moisture to keep the seedlings hydrated but drains excess water to prevent root rot.
Bush beans prefer soil that’s slightly acidic or neutral, so choose a mix with a pH level between 6-7. You can also add a few organic materials, like manure, to ensure it provides the seedlings with the necessary nutrients to grow properly.
3- Water Your Seedlings Properly
As I’ve already established, bush bean seedlings don’t have a specific watering schedule. That doesn’t mean you can’t devise a system that allows you to water them properly.
It’s simpler than you think. All you have to do is touch the first two inches of the soil. If it’s dry, water it. If it’s moist, wait until it dries.
Pro tip: Use a moisture meter to get an accurate reading of the moisture levels in the soil.
4- Give Your Seedlings Space
You want to give your bush beans enough space to absorb ample sunlight, water, and nutrients without having to steal them from each other.
Luckily, you can easily do that by growing each plant three inches apart and each row 18-30 inches away from the other.
5- Grow Your Seedlings Somewhere Warm
Grow your seedlings somewhere with temperatures ranging between 65°-85℉ to carry out photosynthesis and germination at an optimal pace.
You might also want to wait until your soil reaches 60℉ before you plant the seedlings.
Final Thoughts
Now you know all the factors that cause leggy bush beans. Keep in mind that just because you know potential causes doesn’t mean you’ll treat the problem quickly.
Be patient, go through the potential causes gradually, and you’ll identify the problem eventually.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.