One way of getting healthy bean plants is through proper planting. Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are among the few crops that thrive in most climates, making them ideal for home gardening. One way of doing that is through planting bean seeds in the right container.
Something to look out for when using containers is the depth, it must be accurate to ensure stems and roots don’t rot. Plants grown in a container, both potted gardens and seedlings, will need the right depth if they are to grow into productive and healthy plants. It grows well in hardiness zone 6a of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Using Peat Pots
These are containers that are made from biodegradable materials, allowing the transportation of bean seedlings without damaging the roots. When using a compressed peat, it wicks moisture out of the ground or soil especially when pot rims are placed above the surface. Therefore, proper seed planting is mandatory to ensure seedlings don’t die and wilt a few days after moving them.
When planting cucumber, the cucumber root depth should be put into consideration to avoid any chances of wilting. Tearing the pot’s rim off helps reduce the amount of moisture available to protrude. To ensure that the pot is planted deep enough, plant it in a hole that’s deeper than its depth. Additionally, bury the rim around a quarter inch deep.
Using Plastic Pots
Since beans rarely tolerate root disturbance, they are seldom started in plastic pots. You can however, use this method if you are careful about handling the plants gently and using the right planting depth. Before removing seedlings from pots, dig out the right planting holes. Ensure every hole has the same depth as the pot you are using but slightly wider.
Next, carefully place your hand across the pot’s top with the seedling stuck up between your fingers, then slowly turn the pot upside down to let soil slide out of your hands. Carefully flip the roots into a designated planting hole to avoid breaking them. When using this method, it is recommended that you adjust soil depth underneath the roots till the time bean seedlings are planted. The depth should be the same as the one previously in the pot.
Using Container Plants for the Right Green Bean Root Depth
Whether you are growing beans to maturity as potted plants or starting them out in containers, the planting depth is an important factor if the seeds are to germinate and spread out well functioning roots. Loose potting soil mixtures tend to be the ideal condition for beans to send out roots.
Therefore, planting containers a little deeper will ensure that shallow root system is fully supported keeping the plant firm and steady. Plant beans approximately one and a half inches deep in a growing container. In case you are using transplants, it is recommended that you plant them about an inch deep.
Recommended Planting Tips
Spacing is another important aspect to consider other than depth. According to Researchgate, you should space pole variates 4 to 6 inches apart in a single row. You should also plant the bush beans around 3 to 4 inches apart. If you want to plant your beans outside, only do so after the danger posed by frost has passed.
The temperatures should always be above 50 degrees for ideal harvest. Beans need moist soil and appropriate sunlight, and so you should avoid transplanting them into soggy beds and or wet ones because it can damage the plant. Another danger posed by such wet environment is that it causes bean seeds to crack open instead of sprouting out.
Growing Watermelons For The Best Flavor
Just like beans, watermelons are another plant that you can use home methods to grow. The basic component for a successful watermelon plant is warm temperatures for both air and soil. Given the fact that a watermelon is nearly eastern on its own either quartered or sliced, the objective is always growing it sweet and juicy. Steps to follow when seeking to grow a tasty and sweet watermelon include:
Use the right temperatures. A watermelon is a plant that demands warm temperatures for both air and soil. Use direct watermelon seeds only when the temperatures are at least 21°C. It is not recommended to grow unprotected watermelons especially in conditions where temperatures are below 16°C. If the air temperature drops, then you should protect the watermelons by using floating covers.
The perfect soil. Just like tomatoes that need an accurate tomato root depth, watermelons heavily rely on how deep their roots have developed. According to Researchgate, growing watermelons in a well drained and rich soil system is the first step to getting them juicy and tasty. One way of doing so is through planting them on mounds or hills that ensures their roots stay warm. Soil in such environments is well drained and warm.
If you want to use your home garden, then you should amend the planting area with well rotted and compost manure. In a place you plan to plant the seed, dig out a hole 30 cm deep and a foot wide, fill it with rich compost manure a long with soil. This ensures that the growing spot is both well drained and moist appropriately. For maximum harvest, add a handful of rock phosphate that is rich in phosphorus, earthworm castings that have almost all nutrients and lastly, some salts that are rich in magnesium.
Fill up the hole using soil removed from it and level it up perfectly. According to, watermelon roots usually grow around 8 to 10 inches deep with the mound and hole becoming a reservoir of nutrients and moisture.
Care When Planting Watermelons
The recommended spacing is around six to eight feet apart. This is important because planting them close together will see them compete for nutrients and moisture. It is recommended that you keep the weeds out until roots spread and shade soil. Proper care is very important because if watermelons lack enough water and nutrients when starting to set fruit, they will be smaller and less delicious. You should feed watermelons with the right proportions of fish emulsion fertilizer and dilute solution once or twice a week from the time the first female flower appears.
Enough water; Watermelons need enough moisture throughout their growth period. They develop root systems during their first three to four weeks of growth development. The system supplies the plant with nutrients and moisture making it an important part of it. A strong and extensive root system enables watermelons to take up around 96% of its total weight in water developing its large cells that can be seen with a naked eye.
These large cells are the ones that give watermelons their crisp, crunchy and delicious taste. It is very important to prevent developing watermelons from drying out lest they split. You should water the plant whenever the top 4 inches of soil becomes dry. To confirm that, simply deep your finger into the soil and test its moisture. This is an important step because it will help determine the water levels in the soil.
