Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider'
vegetableProvider is a dependable early bush snap bean, one of the most reliable varieties for an early crop because it germinates well in cool soil and bears a heavy, concentrated set of round, meaty green pods in just about 50 days. The compact, self-supporting plants need no trellis and are a favorite for first sowings and successive plantings.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 3 days
Harvest
~50 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
4-6 in. apart
Planting Depth
1-2 in.
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Type
Average, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual. This range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
Inoculate seed with Rhizobium; minimal fertilizer needed as beans fix their own nitrogen
Fertilizer
Low-nitrogen; phosphorus-rich at planting if soil is poor
Direct sow after the frost danger passes once the soil reaches about 60F, though Provider tolerates slightly cooler soil than most, spacing seeds a few inches apart in rows; no trellis is needed for the bush plants. As a nitrogen-fixing legume it needs little fertilizer, and sowing a fresh row every two to three weeks gives a continuous supply. Give full sun and steady moisture through flowering and pod fill.
Direct sow
Apr 29
Projected first harvest
Jun 18
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Plant summer savory and marigold as border plants; inspect leaf undersides for yellow egg clusters
Hose off with water early; attract ladybugs with flowering herbs
Use certified virus-free seed; control aphids which spread the virus
Pick when the pods are firm, round, and snap crisply but before the seeds bulge, harvesting the concentrated crop over a week or two. Frequent picking encourages the plants to keep setting a second flush of pods.
Snap beans are low in calories and a good source of vitamins C and K, with fiber, folate, and manganese, and they deliver a little plant protein along with their crisp texture.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.