Growing Pinto Beans in Texas
Texas provides an ideal climate for growing many types of fruits, vegetables and legumes. Several types of beans, including pintos, flourish in the soil of the Lone Star state. These tasty beans provide flavor and protein to many Southern dishes and recipes. Commercial bean farmers produce and harvest quantities of pinto beans in Texas. Include this legume in your Texas garden to provide a fresh and tasty addition to your table.
Remove weeds and other vegetation from the planting site. Break up the top 8 to 10 inches of topsoil with a garden tiller. Rake well to remove large clods. Work the soil when it is too dry to cling to garden tools, for best results.
- Texas provides an ideal climate for growing many types of fruits, vegetables and legumes.
- Work the soil when it is too dry to cling to garden tools, for best results.
Plant pinto beans during the late fall, approximately 10 weeks before the first anticipated frost for late fall harvesting in Texas. Plant again in the spring after the last frost for early summer harvesting.
Plant the bean seeds evenly along a garden row at a rate of approximately 1/3 lb. for every 100 linear feet and at a depth of 1 inch. Apply enough water after planting to create even moisture on the soil surface. Keep the soil slightly moist by watering frequently and lightly until bean shoots appear above the surface of the soil.
Thin the bean seedlings after they sprout to allow 2 to 3 inches between each seedling. Water the bean plants once each week during Texas dry spells to create slightly damp soil at a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Check for moisture at this level by inserting a finger into the soil near the base of a bean plant.
- Plant pinto beans during the late fall, approximately 10 weeks before the first anticipated frost for late fall harvesting in Texas.
Apply an insecticide if you notice damage from garden pests. Eliminate the pests by applying an insecticide listed for use on pinto bean packaging. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying pesticide.
Tip
Most areas of Texas contains soil favorable to growing pinto beans. Average Texas soil that contains fertile, sandy loam provides suitable texture for a bean crop. Avoid planting these beans in areas of a Texas garden that contain heavy amounts of clay. Provide support for your pinto beans in windy areas of Texas.
Warning
Avoid planting pinto beans during the hottest part of summer. Like many types of legumes, pinto beans suffer under the hot, Texas sun. Spider mites and Aphids live in many areas of Texas and cause damage to many types of plants. Look for signs of these pests by examining the underside of leaves for tiny red or brown bugs. These aphids feed on the underside of bean leaves. Yellow spots and tiny webs indicate the presence of spider mites.
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Tips
- Most areas of Texas contains soil favorable to growing pinto beans. Average Texas soil that contains fertile, sandy loam provides suitable texture for a bean crop.
- Avoid planting these beans in areas of a Texas garden that contain heavy amounts of clay.
- Provide support for your pinto beans in windy areas of Texas.
Warnings
- Avoid planting pinto beans during the hottest part of summer. Like many types of legumes, pinto beans suffer under the hot, Texas sun.
- Spider mites and Aphids live in many areas of Texas and cause damage to many types of plants. Look for signs of these pests by examining the underside of leaves for tiny red or brown bugs. These aphids feed on the underside of bean leaves. Yellow spots and tiny webs indicate the presence of spider mites.
Writer Bio
Laura Wallace Henderson, a professional freelance writer, began writing in 1989. Her articles appear online at Biz Mojo, Walden University and various other websites. She has served as the co-editor for "Kansas Women: Focus on Health." She continues to empower and encourage women everywhere by promoting health, career growth and business management skills.
