How to Grow Pinto Beans

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It’s easy to learn how to grow pinto beans at home, one of the most popular and versatile legumes around. They’re perfect for everything from soups and stews to refried beans and burritos. Whether you’re planting a small backyard plot or starting a garden with kids, pinto beans can be a satisfying and rewarding crop, even for beginning gardeners.

Why Grow Pinto Beans?

Pinto beans are not only delicious, they’re high in protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. We have been growing pinto beans in our preschool garden for over 10 years now and they are always a low maintenance and easy crop for us. They’re also:

• Drought-tolerant once established
• Nitrogen-fixing, which improves your soil health
• Great for beginners, with low pest issues
• Easy to store and dry for long-term use

They’re ideal for dry summer regions, making them a smart choice for Oklahoma’s hot climate and clay-based soils, if you prep them right.

Choosing the Right Type of Pinto Bean

Most home gardeners grow bush-type pinto beans, which stay compact and mature faster. They’re typically ready to harvest within 90–100 days.

There are pole varieties of pinto beans as well, but they take longer to mature and require trellising.

When to Plant Pinto Beans in Oklahoma

Pinto beans are warm-season crops that can’t tolerate frost. For Oklahoma gardeners, the best time to plant is:

• Late April to early May in central and southern regions
• After the last frost date (typically mid-April in most parts of Oklahoma)
• Soil temperature should be at least 60°F, but ideally 70°F for faster germination

Planting too early in Oklahoma’s spring could cause poor germination due to cold or wet soil.

Preparing the Soil

Pinto beans prefer well-drained, loamy soil, but you can grow them successfully in Oklahoma’s clay-heavy soil with some simple improvements:

Oklahoma Soil Prep Tips:

• Add compost or aged manure to improve drainage and texture
• Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers, as beans produce their own nitrogen
• Consider raised beds if your native soil stays soggy after rain

Beans grow best with a neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.5. If your soil is too acidic, add lime based on soil test recommendations.

For more ideas on when to plant in your Oklahoma garden, check out this Month by Month Vegetable Garden Planting Guide.

How to Plant Pinto Beans

Spacing and Depth

• Sow seeds 1 to 1.5 inches deep
• Space seeds 3–4 inches apart
• Rows should be 18–24 inches apart

Water immediately after planting and keep the soil consistently moist until sprouts emerge—usually within 7–10 days.

Caring for Your Pinto Beans

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod development
• Don’t overwater, beans are susceptible to root rot if the soil stays soggy
• Once established, pinto beans are quite drought-tolerant

Weeding

• Mulch around plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture
• Hand-pull weeds close to the plants to avoid disturbing shallow roots

Fertilizing

• Pinto beans typically don’t need fertilizer
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can lead to lots of leaves and few pods

Pest and Disease Management

Beans are relatively low-maintenance, but watch out for:

• Aphids – Use a spray of soapy water or encourage ladybugs
• Mexican bean beetles – Handpick or use neem oil
• Root rot or mildew – Avoid overhead watering and overcrowding

In Oklahoma, the humid summers can increase fungal pressure, so plant in areas with good airflow and use mulch to prevent soil splash.

If you want to read the full story of how we got started growing our own food at Little Sprouts and get all the basics to start yourself, check this out. The Journey of the Little Sprouts: A Guide for Growing a Better Tomorrow.

Flowering and Pod Formation

Pinto beans produce small, white or pink flowers that develop into pods. Once flowers appear:

• Reduce watering slightly to prevent pod drop
• Avoid disturbing plants as they begin fruiting
• Watch for pollinators, though beans are mostly self-pollinating, bee visits can help

How to Harvest Pinto Beans

Green Stage vs. Dry Stage

Pinto beans can be harvested at two different stages:

1. Green Beans: Pick pods when they’re young, tender, and green (like snap beans)
2. Dry Beans: Let pods mature and dry out fully on the plant

For dry pinto beans:

• Wait until pods turn yellow or tan and feel brittle
• Beans inside should rattle when shaken
• Harvest when at least 80–90% of pods are dry

Drying and Storing Your Beans

After picking dry pods:

1. Remove the beans by shelling them by hand
2. Air-dry the beans for a few more days to remove remaining moisture
3. Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place

Properly dried pinto beans can last up to a year in storage!

Growing Pinto Beans with Kids or in a Daycare Garden

Pinto beans are a fun and fast crop for little hands. Here are a few ways to incorporate them into a kid-friendly garden in Oklahoma:

• Seed experiment: Grow a bean seed in a zip-top bag with a damp paper towel so kids can watch roots form
• Plant in a raised bed with labeled rows for each child
• Measure growth each week and record in a garden journal
• Compare soil types by planting a few seeds in native Oklahoma clay vs. composted soil
• Shelling dry beans becomes a sensory and fine motor activity!

For more kids gardening activities, check this out.

Troubleshooting Pinto Bean Problems in Oklahoma

Here are a few common issues Oklahoma gardeners may face:

Problem: Yellowing Leaves

• Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
• Fix: Let soil dry out between waterings; add compost to improve texture

Problem: Flowers but No Beans

• Cause: Excess nitrogen or extreme heat
• Fix: Avoid fertilizing, and try planting earlier in the season

Problem: Beans Shriveling or Molding in Pods

• Cause: Too much rain or humidity
• Fix: Harvest early and dry pods indoors if weather turns rainy

Companion Planting with Pinto Beans

Beans grow well alongside:

• Corn – beans fix nitrogen for the corn
• Squash – helps shade the soil and suppress weeds
• Cucumbers, carrots, and marigolds – also good companions

Avoid planting near onions, garlic, or fennel, which can hinder bean growth.

Pinto Beans Are Perfect for Oklahoma Gardens

Growing pinto beans is a rewarding and low-maintenance way to boost your garden’s productivity while enriching your soil naturally. In Oklahoma’s warm, sunny climate, they thrive with just a little care and thoughtful timing.

Whether you’re planting to feed your family, teach kids about growing food, or just try something new, pinto beans are a resilient, nutritious, and satisfying crop for every level of gardener.