SoCal Home Gardening

Lima Beans

Heat-loving, produces flat, green pods.

Information on Growing Lima Beans

Growing Lima Beans in a home garden can be a rewarding and delicious experience. Here are some details on how to successfully grow Lima Beans:

1. Choosing the Right Variety: There are different varieties of Lima Beans available, so it's important to choose the one that suits your climate and preferences. Some popular varieties include Fordhook, Henderson, and baby lima beans.

2. Selecting a Planting Spot: Lima Beans require a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.

3. Soil Preparation: Before planting Lima Beans, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or rocks. It's beneficial to incorporate compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility and drainage. The ideal soil pH for Lima Beans is between 6.0 and 7.0.

4. Starting Seeds Indoors (optional): If you have a short growing season or want to get a head start, you can start Lima Beans indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Use biodegradable pots or peat pellets and sow the seeds about 1 inch deep. Transplant the seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

5. Direct Sowing: Lima Beans can also be directly sown in the garden. Plant the seeds once the soil temperature reaches around 70�F (21�C). Make small holes about 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart, placing 2-3 seeds in each hole.

6. Watering: Ensure consistent moisture for Lima Beans, especially during flowering and pod development. Water deeply but avoid overwatering, as excessively wet soil can lead to diseases.

7. Providing Support: Lima Bean plants are climbers and require support to grow upright. You can use trellises, stakes, or a fence to provide them with a structure to climb. Install the supports at planting time to avoid damaging the roots later.

8. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants once they have emerged to help conserve moisture and suppress weed growth. This will also help regulate soil temperature and minimize soil splashing on the leaves.

9. Fertilizing: Lima Beans typically don't require a lot of additional fertilization if the soil is properly prepared. However, if your plants show signs of nutrient deficiency, you can apply a balanced organic fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.

10. Pest and Disease Control: Watch out for common pests like aphids, bean beetles, and spider mites. Regularly inspect the plants for any signs of infestation and take appropriate measures such as handpicking or using organic insecticides if necessary. To prevent disease, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation between plants.

11. Harvesting: Lima Beans are usually ready for harvest around 65-90 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvest the beans when the pods are plump and the seeds have filled out. Simply grasp the pod and pull gently to remove it from the plant.

12. Seed Saving: If you want to save seeds for future planting, allow a few pods to mature and dry on the plant. Once the pods have turned brown and crispy, remove them from the plant, open the pods, and collect the dry beans. Store them in a cool, dry place for next year's planting.

Following these tips and providing proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, tender Lima Beans from your home garden.

Lima Beans Varieties

See All Lima Beans Varieties

Popular Southern California Vegetables

In Southern California, where the climate is generally warm and conducive to a variety of plants, the top 10 vegetables to grow can include:

Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and enjoy sunny conditions.
Bok Choy: Asian green, tender and mild flavor.
Broccoli: Cool-season crop, high in vitamins and fiber.
Carrots: Root vegetable, sweet and crunchy, prefers sandy soil.
Cauliflower: Requires consistent watering and care.
Cucumbers: Refreshing, great for salads, needs regular watering.
Green Beans: Easy to grow, both bush and pole varieties.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, grows well in cool and warm weather.
Lettuce: Cool-season crop, grows quickly, ideal for salads.
Onions: Essential kitchen staple, can be grown year-round.
Peas: Cool-season crop, includes snow peas and snap peas.
Potatoes: Grown in cool weather, various types available.
Radishes: Quick to harvest, peppery flavor, easy to grow.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, mild onion flavor.
Spinach: Nutrient-rich, prefers cooler temperatures.
Squash: Includes both summer and winter varieties.
Sweet Corn: Requires space and sun, sweet and delicious.
Tomatoes: Versatile and flavorful, thrive in warm weather.
Yellow Squash: Mild flavor, similar to zucchini.
Zucchini: Fast-growing and productive summer squash.

These vegetables are well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions, which include mild winters and long, warm summers. It's always a good idea to consider the specific microclimate of your garden and adjust your planting choices accordingly.

Popular Southern California Flowers

Southern California's climate is ideal for a variety of flowers, thanks to its warm temperatures and ample sunshine. Here are the top 10 flowers that thrive in this region:

California Poppy: The state flower, known for its vibrant orange color, thrives in the sunny climate.
Lavender: Drought-tolerant and fragrant, it is a great choice for Southern California gardens.
Bougainvillea: A hardy vine with colorful blooms, perfect for warm climates.
Bird of Paradise: Known for its exotic, bird-like flowers, it loves the warm weather.
Geraniums: Easy to grow and maintain, they offer bright splashes of color.
Jasmine: A fragrant, climbing plant that grows well in warmer areas.
Marigolds: Hardy and colorful, they can bloom year-round in mild climates.
Roses: Many varieties do well in Southern California, especially when given full sun.
Succulents and Cacti: Including Aloe Vera and Echeveria, they are ideal for the dry climate.
Sunflowers: Thrive in full sun and add a dramatic height and vibrancy to gardens.

These flowers not only add beauty to gardens but are also generally well-adapted to the local conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain.