My 4 year old stuck a dry pinto bean in one of our potted plants on our balcony. We didnt know until it started to grow. There are 2 now and they have done pretty good. But now they are starting to die, needless to say my daughter is crushed. So does anyone know how to save them?
2006-08-03 10:46:41 · 4 answers · asked by mom_goingcrazie 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
What a great science experiment for a kid! (Or even a curious adult!)
Beans need space for roots, lots of water (but not too much), and some fertilizer. The best way to grow them in pots is with self-watering pots (special pots with water reservoirs and an air gap between the water and soil). Such pots allow the beans all the water they need without getting water logged. Since you don't have to pour water on the top of the soil to keep the soil moist, you need a lot less fertilizer than if you grow them in regular pots.
It sounds like the beans you have now may have either gotten too much or too little water. They may die, and there's nothing you can do about them, but to save tears, plant some more right now, and in a few days, you'll have some replacements, before the dying ones go.
In the meantime, don't just plant pinto beans. It's great to see what forms different bean plants take. Plant a few garbanzos, a few lentils, and a few soybeans as well. One of the most productive beans in my garden came from the time I planted some 5 bean soup mix, just to see what would come up. The white bean in the mix has been a fabulous grower ever since.
2006-08-07 03:10:33 · answer #1 · answered by Erika M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure you can. They need lots of sun and room for the root system as well as good water. They will be just like green beans in the garden but you should leave them to dry out when they have done their thing. They will dry out and die as they are finished growing so if you have beans on it, don't despair. They can be replanted and grow another small crop.
2006-08-03 10:52:21 · answer #2 · answered by ramall1to 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should act just like any other sprout, water and sun in moderation makes anything grow. try some mild fertilizer
2006-08-03 10:51:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ummm..you know you can get them canned and ready to eat right?
2006-08-03 10:51:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋