How to Germinate Navy Bean Seeds

Navy beans are dry, mature beans that germinate in 7 to 10 days after planting. The best method of planting is sowing the seed directly into a prepared garden bed. Navy beans grow slowly and are ready for harvest in 70 to 120 days after germination depending on the growing conditions. Mature navy beans are 12 inches long and ready for harvest once the plant dries and loses all leaves. Navy beans are sensitive to moisture and require supplemental water to keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season.

5-10-10 garden fertilizer
Tiller
Shovel
Scissors
6-foot poles
Twine

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the planting bed once the ground begins to warm in spring. Verify the area receives full sunlight and has well-draining soil. Do not plant navy beans in the same area as the previous growing season.
- 2
  Apply a 5-10-10 garden fertilizer to the soil and use a tiller to incorporate it into the soil. A fertilizer with a balanced or high nitrogen value may cause a decrease in germination.
- 3
  Build planting rows in the garden once there is no longer a risk of frost and the soil has a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 4
  Create 3- to 4-inch high mounds set at a distance of 40 inches apart. Space the planting rows 3 feet apart. Sow five to six seeds in each mound at a depth of 1 inch.
- 5
  Thin the navy bean seedlings once they reach a height of 2 to 3 inches. Clip the weakest seedlings off at the soil level so three or four remain in each mound.
- 6
  Build a tripod structure over each mound. Place four 6-foot tall poles around the mound and secure the tops together with twine. Push the bottom of the poles 2 to 3 inches into the ground if the structure wobbles.
- 7
  Train the navy vines up the poles as they grow so the runners grab onto the poles. This will force upward growth for easy maintenance and harvest.

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