How to Plant Beans in Nigeria

Beans are a staple crop in Nigeria, providing millions of households a vital source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Known for their versatility in Nigerian cuisine, beans are grown across different regions and climates.

Planting beans requires proper planning, knowledge of the appropriate growing conditions, and adequate care for a bountiful harvest.

This article will provide an in-depth guide on successfully planting beans in Nigeria.

Description of a Beans Plant

The bean plant belongs to the legume family, known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.

The plant grows as an annual vine or bush, producing pods filled with edible seeds known as beans.

Bean plants vary in height, depending on the variety, ranging from low-lying bush beans to tall climbing vines that require support.

They have broad, green leaves, and the flowers are usually white or pink.

As a leguminous plant, beans improve soil fertility by forming symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

This makes beans an environmentally friendly crop that benefits future crops grown on the same soil.

Planting Season for Beans in Nigeria

In Nigeria, beans can be planted in the rainy and dry seasons.

The ideal planting season depends on the region:

1. Rainy Season: Between May and August is the best time to plant beans in southern and northern Nigeria during the rainy season. This timing allows the plants to benefit from the rains while avoiding excessive flooding, which can damage the crops.
2. Dry Season: In regions with irrigation systems, such as northern Nigeria, beans can also be planted during the dry season from October to December. Farmers grow the crop during this period using irrigation.

In both cases, planting should occur when the temperature ranges between 20°C and 30°C to ensure optimal germination and growth.

Planting Beans

Planting beans involves several essential steps to ensure success.

Below are the main steps you need to follow.

Step 1: Choose a Location

Choosing the right location is critical for the growth of beans. The site should meet the following requirements:

• Sunlight: Beans need full sunlight to thrive. The chosen area should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil Type: Beans do well in loamy or sandy-loam soils that are well-drained and rich in organic matter. The soil’s pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
• Drainage: Beans do not tolerate waterlogged soil, so choose an area with good drainage to prevent root rot.

Step 2: Land Clearing and Preparation

Land preparation is crucial to create a conducive environment for growing beans.

Follow these steps:

• Clear the Land: Remove weeds, grasses, and other debris from the area. This will minimize competition for nutrients and prevent pests from hiding in the weeds.
• Till the Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of about 10-15 cm by ploughing or using hand tools. This promotes root penetration and improves soil aeration.
• Add Organic Matter: Incorporate compost or well-decomposed manure into the soil to boost its fertility and improve moisture retention.

Step 3: Means of Propagation

Beans are propagated through seeds.

Seeds can be purchased from certified seed companies or saved from previous harvests.

Ensure the seeds are disease-free and high-quality to guarantee healthy plants and a good yield.

Step 4: How to Plant Beans from Seed

Planting beans from seed is a straightforward process:

1. Spacing: Beans should be adequately spaced to allow air circulation and reduce disease risk. For bush beans, space the seeds 15-20 cm apart in rows 60-75 cm apart. Space the seeds 20-30 cm apart for climbing beans and provide stakes or trellises for support.
2. Depth: Plant the seeds about 3-5 cm deep. Cover them lightly with soil and press down to ensure good contact between the seed and soil.
3. Seed Treatment: Before planting, treat the seeds with fungicides to protect them from soil-borne diseases and enhance nitrogen fixation.

Step 5: Watering

Watering is vital for the growth of beans, especially during germination and early growth stages. Here are some guidelines for watering:

• Initial Watering: After planting, water the field thoroughly to ensure the seeds have enough moisture for germination.
• Watering Frequency: Beans require moderate watering, especially during flowering and pod formation. Water the plants 2-3 times per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
• Irrigation: In dry areas or during the dry season, drip or furrow irrigation can provide consistent moisture.

Step 6: Apply Manure

Fertilization is essential to enhance the growth and yield of bean plants:

• Organic Manure: Apply well-rotted manure or compost at the time of land preparation. This improves soil fertility and structure.
• Inorganic Fertilizers: Use balanced fertilizers, such as NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) in a ratio of 5:10:5. Apply 2-3 weeks after planting to encourage healthy root and pod development. Be cautious not to over-apply nitrogen, as beans can fix their nitrogen from the air.

Maturity and Harvest

Beans typically mature between 60 and 90 days, depending on the variety.

Once the pods begin to dry and turn brown, it’s time to harvest:

Dry Beans: If you’re growing beans for dry seeds, allow the pods to dry thoroughly on the plant before harvesting.

Harvest beans by pulling up the entire plant or picking the pods individually.

After harvesting, dry the pods in the sun before threshing the beans.

Pests and Diseases

Beans are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:

1. Pests:
   • Aphids
   • Bean beetles
   • Pod borers
   • Leafhoppers
2. Diseases:
   • Root rot (caused by poor drainage)
   • Anthracnose (a fungal disease)
   • Rust
   • Bacterial blight

Pest and Disease Control

To manage pests and diseases, adopt the following practices:

• Cultural Control: Rotate beans with non-legume crops to break pest and disease cycles. Practice proper spacing to ensure good air circulation and minimize disease spread.
• Biological Control: Introduce natural predators like ladybugs to control aphid populations. Neem oil can be used as a natural pesticide.
• Chemical Control: In severe infestations, use pesticides such as insecticides or fungicides, but follow recommended guidelines to avoid overuse and environmental harm.

How Many Beans Plants Can I Grow in a 1 Plot (50ft by 100ft) of Land, and What Quality of Beans Can I Harvest?

A plot measuring 50ft by 100ft (approximately 465 square meters) can accommodate approximately 4,000-5,000 bean plants if proper spacing is followed (using 20 cm spacing between plants).

The expected yield depends on the variety and growing conditions.

Under optimal conditions, you can expect an average yield of 500-600 kg of beans per plot.

In conclusion, planting beans in Nigeria can be highly rewarding with proper planning, soil preparation, and care.

With suitable variety, pest management, and favourable growing conditions, a small plot can produce significant yields, contributing to food security and income generation for farmers.