Q&A for How to Grow Beans in Cotton

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  • Question
    Can beans grow on cotton?
    Olivia Choong
    Plant & Gardening Specialist
    Olivia Choong is a Plant and Gardening Specialist and the Owner of The Tender Gardener. With more than six years of experience, she specializes in gardening, permaculture, and self-sufficient and low-impact living practices. Her work has been featured in media outlets such as The Straits Times and Channel NewsAsia (CNA). Olivia holds a Bachelor of Mass Communications in PR and Journalism from Murdoch University.
    Plant & Gardening Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Definitely! Beans can grow on cotton as long as long as you keep the cotton moist and not wet. Just keep in mind that the beans might take longer to sprout if they have a thicker seed coat.
  • Question
    Do I have to soak the cotton?
    Community Answer
    No. The cotton should be moist, but not soaked. Too much water can kill the plant.
  • Question
    Should I put the seed at the side of the cotton or on top of the cotton?
    Community Answer
    Put the seed on top of the cotton, so that the beans do not struggle to grow.
  • Question
    How long am I supposed to soak the bean seeds?
    Community Answer
    Soak the beans for at least 12 hours, but 24 hours is the maximum. When the beans soak, they expand, so make sure you have enough water.
  • Question
    Do I soak the bean first?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You have to soak the bean first or it won't sprout.
  • Question
    Do I have to fill the cotton wool with water when it dries up?
    Community Answer
    Just sprinkle with water to keep it moistened. However, do not let the cotton dry or the seed will die.
  • Question
    Can't I soak the beans?
    Community Answer
    Soak the beans for 3 minutes to soften the hulls, making it easier for the shoots to break through and start the germination.
  • Question
    What do I do if my cotton plant isn't growing?
    Community Answer
    Patience is key. Just let it grow. If it doesn't progress at all, reread this article.
  • Question
    Do green beans need sunlight?
    Community Answer
    Green beans need 8 - 10 hours of sunlight per day.
  • Question
    Can I use sunflower beans or peas?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Almost any kind of bean can be grown in cotton. Just make sure you give it enough water and filtered sunlight for it to thrive.
  • Question
    Do you cover the beans with a thin layer of cotton wool?
    Community Answer
    No, it's best to leave one side open.
  • Question
    What kind of beans do I need?
    Community Answer
    You will need pinto beans.
  • Question
    What happens with the beans in one day?
    Community Answer
    Not much will happen in only one day. The bean may soften up and they may develop a white structure/substance on them.
  • Question
    Can I grow the plant indefinitely in cotton?
    Community Answer
    No, as the plant will need nutrients to further develop. The plant will die from nutrient depletion if you don't transplant it once it has grown leaves.
  • Question
    How many days will it take to germinate?
    Community Answer
    For it to grow the roots, it will take 2-3 days, sometimes a little more. For the leaves, it might take longer, maybe 1-2 weeks or more.
  • Question
    How long should I leave it in the sun?
    Community Answer
    Around 10 hours a day. Make sure not too leave it out for too long, all else it dries up.
  • Question
    I planted green beans one week ago, and they still haven't sprouted. What could be wrong?
    Community Answer
    The seeds could have lost fertility. Make sure you got the beans from a good source. They may also have lost fertility if they are old.
  • Question
    What do you mean when you say to soak the seeds?
    Community Answer
    You have to soak it in hot water for 3 minutes. It will make the seeds softer and easier to grow.
  • Question
    Do I need to water the plants daily when growing beans in cotton?
    Community Answer
    No, you don't need to. In warm temperatures, water it every 2 days and in cold temperatures, water it twice a week.
  • Question
    Can I use gram seeds instead?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can try it. Any type of bean or seed may grow in cotton.
  • Question
    How many hours should I leave the plant in the sun?
    Community Answer
    Not more than 30 minutes of direct sunlight per day. Give it lots of indirect sunlight the rest of the day.
  • Question
    Do I keep the beans in the cotton when I put them in the soil?
    Community Answer
    No, you need to remove the cotton because the beans will need the soil to grow and the cotton will just block this growth.
  • Question
    How much will this have grown in a week and a half?
    Community Answer
    Around 3 - 4 cm. It might go higher if you water it well and give it a good amount of sunshine.
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