Pole beans are usually cultivated by seeds in the spring and to enjoy a plentiful harvest you may need to prune your pole bean plants during the growing season. Remove all growth within 6 to 8 inches of the plants, including other pole bean plants. … Use 2 inches of mulch to help control unwanted growth.

How do you prune a pole bean plant?

Prior to pruning or pinching the pole beans at the end of the growing season (late fall), make sure it has set pods and then use sharp scissors or shears to cut the main stem back to the desired height. Do not cut lower than set pods and cut back any of the pole bean that is taller than its support.

Should pole beans be topped?

Pinch off the tops of pole bean vines when they reach the top of the support. This will force them to put energy into producing more pods instead. In high heat, use row covers over young plants; hot weather can cause blossoms to drop from plants, reducing harvest.