| I am doing a school science experiment involving lima beans. What would be the best procedure to grow lima beans (not in a garden but in separate containers)? |
| I would use 4 to 6 inch pots--the larger if you plan to let the beans grow for a long time. Use a soil-less seed-starting mix rather than garden soil or potting soil--it is lighter and will drain better. Moisten the mix well before planting. Plant 3 beans per pot, at a depth of about an inch. After planting, firm the soil gently. You can place the pots in a plastic bag, or cover the pots with moistened newspaper, to help keep the soil moist. Check them every day, and when you see the first sprout, removethe bag/newspaper and put them in the light. Limas need lots of light and warm temperatures. If you are growing under fluorescent lights, adjust the lights so they are just an inch or two above the seedlings. When the sprouts are an inch or so tall, you can choose the healthiest, most vigorous plant in each pot and remove the others so you're left with one plant per pot--especially if you plan to grow them for a while. |
