1. Prepare the soil. To prepare the soil, till it to a depth of 12 inches and add a 2-inch layer of compost or aged manure. Pinto beans need well-drained, fertile, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for best growth.
2. Plant the seeds. Sow 1 inch deep in rows spaced 18 to 24 inches apart, with 4 to 5 seeds per foot of row. Keep the seedbed moist but not soggy until germination occurs in about 10 to 14 days; once the seedlings sprout, stop watering as much and let the top layer dry out between waterings.
3. Weed occasionally throughout the season if necessary; pinto beans grow quickly enough to shade out many weeds on their own when planted closely together in rows as mentioned above.
4. Fertilize lightly twice during the growing season, about 4 weeks apart; use a balanced (4-4-4) organic fertilizer for best results and minimal environmental impact (chemical fertilizers may kill beneficial microorganisms that live in soil and are essential for plant health).
5. Vinegar and Baking Soda Spray: Mix ¼ cup white vinegar + ½ teaspoon baking soda + 2 tablespoons canola oil in one gallon of water; spray every few weeks to prevent pests like aphids or caterpillars from infesting pinto beans plants — be sure to treat both sides of leaves where you see any signs of damage or bug activity!
