What Fertilizers Are Needed for Bean Plants?

Considerations

• The best way to determine the fertilizer needs for your bean plants is to get a soil test, Ohio State University advises. Test results will allow you to tailor fertilizer application specifically to your garden.

Preplanting Application

• Without soil test results, go for a premixed nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (N-P-K) mix of 5-10-10. Purdue University recommends applying the solution before planting at the rate of one cup for a 50-foot row and working it in to a depth of 6 inches.

Side Dressing

• If plants are not growing well and appear yellowish, additional fertilizer may remedy the problem. If beans are growing in light or sandy soil, fertilizer application after a heavy rainfall may be warranted. In either situation, apply one cup of ammonium nitrate per 50-foot row after pods have begun to form.

Expert Insight

• The University of Minnesota Extension reports that bean plants may also need supplemental zinc.

Warning

• Bean plants that receive too much nitrogen fertilizer will grow lush foliage but few pods. Avoid over-fertilization, which beans are generally sensitive to, in order to prevent damage to the plants.