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Growing Organic Pinto Beans in the Vegetable Garden

For optimal growth, space bush variety seeds 3-4 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart. For pole varieties, place seeds 4-6 inches apart with rows 24-36 inches apart. This spacing promotes good air circulation, which is crucial for preventing disease. Pinto beans should be directly sown into the garden since they don’t transplant well. Plant the seeds about 1 to 1.5 inches deep in the soil. This depth ensures good root development and helps protect the seeds from drying out or being eaten by birds.

As legumes, pinto beans fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for nitrogen-rich fertilizers. Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to provide a balanced nutrient base. Avoid synthetic fertilizers; instead, use organic options like fish emulsion or kelp meal if necessary. Pinto beans need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod formation. Water deeply once a week, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to keep water off the foliage and reduce the risk of fungal infections.

Apply organic mulch such as straw, untreated bark chips, or leaves around your pinto bean plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Mulching also helps improve soil structure and fertility as it decomposes. Keep the area weed-free, particularly during the early stages of growth, to minimize competition for nutrients and water.

Harvesting Organic Pinto Beans

Pinto Beans can be harvested when the pods are in their snap pea stage or in their dry stage. For the snap stage harvest, when pods are young and tender, typically around 50-60 days after planting. At this stage, the beans inside are small, and the pods can be eaten whole. For harvesting snap beans, use scissors or pruners to cut the pods from the plant to avoid damaging the stem.

For dry harvesting, remove them when the pods are fully mature and dried on the plant, usually around 90-100 days after planting. For dry beans, wait until the pods are completely dry. The pods will be brittle, and the beans inside will rattle. Pick the pods on a dry day, then shell the beans by hand or by lightly threshing the pods above a blanket or basket. Lay them out on a towel in a dry place out of direct sunlight to further dry. Ensure the beans are thoroughly dehydrated before storing to prevent mold.

About Organic Pinto Bean Garden Seeds

Pinto beans have roots in Central and South America cultivated for thousands of years by indigenous peoples. They were bred for their adaptability, high yield, and nutritional value. Pinto beans are a staple in Latin American cuisine, especially in Mexican dishes.

Pinto beans are called ‘frijoles pintos’ in Spanish, which literally translates to ‘painted beans’. Their speckled appearance is attractive and characteristic of these delicious legumes.

When you buy organic seeds, you’re choosing seeds that have been grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These seeds come from plants that were cultivated using sustainable farming practices, ensuring they are healthier for you and the environment.

Stores From Our Gardeners

"Pinto beans are one of my favorite foods. They are creamy, delicious, healthy, and versatile. You can’t beat some well-made refried beans with homemade corn tortillas and pico de gallo."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer