From sowing the bean seeds to harvesting, it only takes about 10 weeks. It's even quicker if you let the bean seeds germinate on the bright, warm windowsill. This takes about 3 - 4 weeks, requires little effort and is particularly useful for growing bush beans and runner beans.

Benefits of pre-germination

  • Advance in growth by taking advantage of consistently warm temperatures
  • young plants are less susceptible to snail damage

preparation

Especially if the bean seeds have a hard shell, soaking them in water is recommended. You can do that overnight.

cultivation vessels

For the pre-germination of beans, it does not necessarily have to be the seed box. Pre-germination in flower pots or on a layer of cotton wool or kitchen paper is just as successful. You may be familiar with the latter method in particular from biology lessons or from experiments in daycare.

Germination in the flower pot

You prepare small flower pots that you fill with plain soil. Once you have moistened the soil, stick the bean seeds into the soil. The whole thing is covered with cling film or a transparent plastic bag, under which a humid climate - ideal for germination - is created.

Pre-germinate on cotton and kitchen paper

For this variant, you lay out a flat container with a layer of damp cotton wool or several layers of damp kitchen paper. The beans are then laid out next to each other. Here, too, you ensure a humid climate by covering it with foil or a bag.

This method is ideal for gardening with children. If the side walls of the container are also transparent, the germination of the beans can be observed closely.

The best place

Two important prerequisites for successful pre-germination are still missing: heat and light. You can take advantage of both by placing your culture containers on the windowsill.

The little offspring

The first tender shoots appear after about a week. Now the seedlings need about 2 weeks to grow.

It is important that the substrate does not dry out and that the climate is sufficiently humid. Once the first leaves have unfolded, the young plant can be carefully removed with your fingertips.

time to plant out

Even if the young bean seedlings now have a head start in growth, they should only be planted out after the ice saints. Only then is the soil permanently warm enough for the beans to grow.

tips and tricks

Fire beans do not have to be preferred. They are less sensitive to cold and are sown directly into the ground.

Category:

Vegetable garden