324 CHAPTER XX 



the pods and the nodules on the roots. Because of their bene- 

 ficial effect on the soil, their cultivation might well be extended. 



Climatic and Soil Kequirements. — Beans are hot 

 weather crops, and for that reason they should not be planted 

 until all danger from frost is over. Any good agricultural soil 

 thoroughly prepared will produce beans. They seem to thrive 

 best, though, on deep loam soils, not too sandy in nature. Very 

 heavy brak and water-logged soils should be avoided, as these 

 are decidedly unfavourable for the production of these crops. 

 Soils containing too much organic matter, such as are often 

 found in vleis, are also undesirable, as they stimulate vegeta- 

 tive growth at the expense of seed production. When grown 

 on dry lands the preparation of the seed-bed should aim at the 

 production of one retentive of soil moisture. 



Cultural Methods. — For successful bean production, the 

 proper preparation of the seed bed is of utmost importance. The 

 land is best ploughed in winter and disced before the beans are 

 planted in the spring. The time of planting will vary with 

 the locality as well as with the variety planted, whether early 

 or late maturing. Under average South African conditions 

 probably the best period for sowing this crop is during the 

 months of November and December, when the heavy summer 

 rains coincide with high temperatures. 



The best method of planting beans is with an ordinary 

 maize planter fitted with plates that will allow the beans to 

 pass through regularly. A small grain drill with some of the 

 holes stopped up to get the rows the correct distance apart 

 could also be used advantageously. The rows are generally 

 made about 2 to 3 feet apart and the seeds spaced 6 to 12 inches 

 in the row. On dry lands the spacing must necessarily be 

 wider than under irrigation. In no circumstances should the 

 seed be placed deeper than 2 inches, otherwise the seedlings 

 will have difficulty in reaching the surface. The rate of plant- 

 ing varies with the size of the bean ; about 10 lbs. of Tepary 

 beans, 30 to 40 lbs. of sugar, and 50 to 60 lbs. of white kidney 

 beans will be found to be the right quantity to plant per acre. 

 The crop on a well prepared seed-bed will require three to four 

 cultivations. Harrowing is sometimes necessary just before 

 the beans begin to appear to break the soil crusts and to destroy 

 new seedlings that may have germinated. Where a very good 

 stand has been obtained, a second harrowing after the plants 

 are up may be of use ; this operation is best carried out when 



