what to choose

[The Mad Hatter]

Good morning everyone. I want to grow some beans this year. I will be doing it in a raised bed on crop netting. How deep do I make the bed? It will be about three feet wide by about forty feet long or so.

What is the best kind of bean to grow?

I want to be able to freeze and can them. I also want em to climb so I imagine the pole type would be the best.

Any advice would be grewtly appreciated.

T.M.H.

[jal_ut]

You could plant two rows, and if they are 40 feet long, you will have buckets full of beans. I like the Jade bush beans. I have planted pole beans too. Not going to make a recommendation though. Someone who grows them every year will do that.

[jal_ut]

I do not garden in raised beds, not do I use any type of cloth or plastic.

My concern is that if you put a shield of some kind under the bed, you will effectively restrict the growth of plant roots. I don't think many have really investigated how extensive plant roots are. Here is a link to a study done on bean roots. Once you have looked it over you will be better prepared to provide what your plants need.

[url=https://www.soilandhealth.org/01aglibrary/010137veg.roots/010137ch20.html]Click Here[/url]

[farmerlon]

I assume that you're using the "crop netting" for the beans to climb on, since you're looking to grow pole bean varieties.
Kentucky Wonder seems to be a "standard" variety in my area; and I have had some success with those.
I have been hearing that Fortex is an excellent variety; so I am going to make it a point to try those this year.

With a 40 foot row, I would suggest that you try several different varieties... as "insurance", and to see if any of those are "standouts" for you.

[lorax]

I really like 'Rattlesnake' polers - they stand up to my heat very well, the pods are super long, tender and a bit sweet, and the beans also freeze well both in grain and in pod.

[Canadian Farmer Guy]

I've heard good things about Blue Lake pole beans.
I'm planting some in my garden this year.

CFG

[The Mad Hatter]

Thanks. For the replies everyone. I have been eyeballing the blue lake and the Kentucky wonder. As far as the raised bed goes I don't plan on putting plastic or fibermat under the bed. I will however use it around the outside the beds under the rock I plan on bringing in. How deep should the bed be? 18" is what I am thinking. Mostly to try to help keep my hounds out of there and for some decent looking eye candy.

T.M.H.