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Growing Tenderette Green Bush Beans in the Vegetable Garden

Tenderette beans are best direct-sown into the garden, as they don't transplant well. After the last frost date, plant the seeds directly in the ground. Beans prefer full sun, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Sow seeds about 1 inch deep in well-drained, loose soil. The soil should be warm, ideally around 60-70 F, as beans won’t germinate well in cooler soils. Space the seeds 4-6 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart. If you're growing them in containers, ensure there’s enough room for each plant to spread out.

Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Beans need about 1 inch of water per week, especially during flowering and pod formation. Once the plants are established, a side dressing of compost can help provide nutrients throughout the growing season. Avoid too much nitrogen fertilizer. Regular weeding and mulch applications can also be beneficial to overall growth. Practice crop rotation by avoiding planting beans in the same spot year after year. Also, planting every few weeks in succession will provide a continuous harvest throughout the season.

Harvesting Tenderette Green Bush Beans

Tenderette Green Beans are a snap variety, which means they’re harvested while the pods are still young, tender, and crisp. You’ll know they’re ready when the pods reach about 5-6 inches long but are still firm, without noticeable seeds bulging from the sides. Use your fingers or a small pair of garden scissors to pick the beans from the plant gently. Be careful not to tug too hard, which can damage the plant and reduce future yields. Regular picking encourages the plant to produce more beans, so be sure to check on your plants frequently.

About Tenderette Green Bush Bean Garden Seeds

This green bean was introduced in 1962 by the Charter Seed Company of Twin Falls, Idaho. Tenderette is a delicious, stringless, high-bearing green bean produced over a long season of picking.

Gardeners choose Tenderette beans for their prolific yields, ease of growth, and disease resistance. Being an open-pollinated variety, they’re also great for seed savers. The bushy plants don’t require staking, and their heat and drought tolerance make them a good option for gardens in warmer climates.

Green beans are low in calories but packed with nutrients. They’re an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and folate and provide a good amount of iron and manganese. Regular consumption of green beans can support digestive health, boost the immune system, and contribute to healthy skin and bones.

Tenderette beans are ideal for snap bean use, meaning they are eaten fresh, often in dishes like stir-fries, casseroles, and salads, or simply steamed with butter and herbs. Their tender pods and mild flavor make them a versatile ingredient in many meals.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"Green beans freeze so well. Especially Tenderette Green. Just blanch them quickly in boiling water, cool them in ice water, and then lay them on a cookie tray to freeze them individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or other airtight container until use. Such an easy way to have garden fresh produce in midwinter."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer