It only takes about 10 weeks from sowing the bean seeds to harvesting. It's even quicker if you let the bean seeds germinate on a bright, warm windowsill. This takes about 3 - 4 weeks, requires little effort and is particularly useful for growing bush beans and pole beans.
How can you successfully pre-germinate beans?
The best way to pre-germinate beans is to soak the seeds overnight and then place them in moist soil in small flower pots or on a layer of damp cotton wool orlay out kitchen paper. Warm, bright windowsill positions promote germination, which begins within a week.
Benefits of pre-germination
- Growth advantage by taking advantage of consistently warm temperatures
- young plants are less susceptible to snail damage
Preparation
Soaking them in water is recommended, especially if the bean seeds have a hard shell. You can do this overnight.
Growing containers
It doesn't necessarily have to be the propagation box (€15.00 at Amazon) to pre-germinate beans. 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.
Pre-germination in the flower pot
You set up small flower pots that you fill with simple soil. Once you have moistened the soil, insert the bean seeds into the soil. The whole thing is covered with cling film or a transparent plastic bag, under which a moist climate - ideal for germination - is created.
Pre-germination on cotton wool and kitchen paper
For this variant, line a flat container with a layer of damp cotton wool or several layers of damp kitchen paper. The beans are laid out side by side on it. Here too, you can ensure a moist 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 closely observed.
The best place
Two important requirements for pre-germination to be successful are still missing: heat and light. You can take advantage of both by placing your cultivation containers on the windowsill.
The little offspring
The first tender shoots appear after about a week. Now the seedlings need about 2 more weeks to grow.
It is important that the substrate does not dry out or 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 ground permanently warm enough for the beans to grow.
Tips & Tricks
Fire beans do not need to be preferred. They are less sensitive to cold and are sown directly into the ground.
