I often mulch my beans. Go ahead. I think you'll find that it helps conserve moisture. On the other hand, I have never fertilized beans before. This is not say that it can't be done. But I have never done it and never seen the need. If you mulch, that mulch will decompose and improve your soil. You'll see a difference by next growing season.

George
Tahlequah, OK

I see you are in OK. Where about? Drop in on the Oklahoma gardening forum here too!

Thank you George.. i tend to want to Fertilize everything...

most likley i am going to get a bunch of Compost from J M Farms in Miami Next spring and till it and Rabbit poop in when i do the first till of the year!

THANK YOU i will head to the OK gardening forum now

Personally I prefer to use hay for mulch, preferably marsh hay, which is nearly weed free. If no marsh hay is available, I try to get second-cutting hay, or alfalfa hay, which has far less weed seed. The green hay breaks down more easily than straw, and I can see the results of this light fertilization. I've tried barley straw in the past, and found that it contained a lot of barley seed... if you are already fighting a lot of weeds, you don't need to plant more.

Beans really benefit from a thick layer of mulch; but I wouldn't recommend fertilizing them. Too much N can lead to thick foliage, but few beans. If you need to fertilize, do so early, and lightly.

Legumes do fix nitrogen but in varying amounts depending on the species. I some cases it is not a lot. And it doesn't begin the moment the beans start to grow. If the beans show a pale, yellowish color early on, I give them a light feeding or two of liquid fertilizer. Early and lightly, as zeedman says.

Most soil has enough magnesium, especially for beans. Tomatoes are more apt to show a deficiency. It is an important nutrient though so if you think your soil is poor in nutrients you could use Epsom salts. Side dressing would be overkill though. Dissolve epsom salts in water and give plants a light watering.

Jim