How to Grow Pinto Beans in Wisconsin

Pinto beans are a warm-season legume, and growing them in Wisconsin requires careful timing due to the state’s relatively short growing season. However, with proper planning and care, you can successfully grow pinto beans in Wisconsin’s climate, making them a nutritious addition to your garden.

1. Selecting the Right Variety

Pinto beans are generally well-suited to the Midwestern climate, but you may want to choose early-maturing varieties to ensure they ripen before the first frost in Wisconsin’s cooler regions. Some good options include:

  • Burke: A variety that matures early and is highly resistant to common bean diseases.
  • Othello: Another early-maturing variety, known for its high yield and disease resistance.

2. Planting Time

Pinto beans require warm soil to germinate, so the best time to plant them in Wisconsin is after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (usually mid- to late May). Waiting until the soil is adequately warm is crucial for successful germination.

  • Seed Starting: Pinto beans are direct-seeded, meaning they do not need to be started indoors. Plant the seeds directly into the garden after the danger of frost has passed.

3. Soil Preparation

Pinto beans grow best in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. In Wisconsin, some soils may tend toward heavy clay, so it’s important to prepare the soil to ensure good drainage.

  • Soil Amendments: Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage. Pinto beans don’t require heavy fertilization because they can fix nitrogen from the air, but organic matter helps create the ideal growing environment.

  • Avoid Nitrogen-Rich Fertilizers: Because pinto beans fix their own nitrogen, avoid adding too much nitrogen, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduce pod production.

4. Planting and Spacing

Once the soil is prepared, plant the pinto bean seeds about 1 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart. Spacing the plants properly is important for airflow and preventing disease, which can be an issue in the humid Wisconsin summers.

5. Watering and Care

Pinto beans need consistent moisture, especially during germination and pod development. Water the plants deeply about once a week, providing 1 inch of water per week. In Wisconsin’s often rainy summers, be mindful of overwatering; make sure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.

  • Mulching: Applying mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Organic mulches, such as straw or grass clippings, work well and also help regulate soil temperature.

6. Weeding

Keep the area around your pinto beans free of weeds, which can compete for nutrients and water. Be careful when weeding around young plants, as pinto beans have shallow root systems and can be easily damaged.

7. Pest and Disease Control

Common pests that affect pinto beans in Wisconsin include aphids, bean leaf beetles, and Mexican bean beetles. Regularly inspect your plants for pests, and use organic insecticides, like neem oil, or introduce beneficial insects to keep pest populations under control.

  • Diseases: Pinto beans can be prone to fungal diseases like anthracnose or root rot, especially in humid or overly wet conditions. To prevent these, ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly and avoid overhead watering.

8. Harvesting

Pinto beans in Wisconsin will typically be ready for harvest in late summer to early fall, about 90-100 days after planting. For dried beans, allow the pods to turn brown and dry on the plant before harvesting.

  • Drying and Storing: After harvesting, remove the beans from the pods and spread them out in a cool, dry area to fully dry for storage. Once completely dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Conclusion

Growing pinto beans in Wisconsin can be a rewarding experience with the right timing and care. By selecting an early-maturing variety, preparing the soil properly, and managing pests and diseases, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of nutritious pinto beans before the arrival of the first frost.