Dry Bean Seeding Tips

Plant dry beans from late May to early June, once soils have warmed to 15°C.

1. MASC seeding deadlines are June 10 for risk area 1 and June 6 for risk areas 2, 3 and the insurance test area.
2.  MASC Dry Bean Risk Areas Map →

Plant at a depth of 1 – 1.5”, placing seeds into moisture.

Dry beans can successfully be planted in narrow (<15”) or wide rows (>15”), with black, navy and pinto bean types typically being better suited to narrow-row production. Research has indicated a yield advantage to planting these bean types in narrow rows.

Target plant populations vary with market class, seed size and, in some cases, row width.

Dry beans are susceptible to damage from seed handling – whether you’re cleaning seed, treating seed, or running it through equipment. 

Soak tests reveal if the seed coat has been cracked or damaged, and you can use them as a tool to adjust your seeding rates before planting.