- 1). Find bean plants that display similar properties, including rate of growth, size of mature plant and length of germination. Choosing plants that share characteristics will provide the best rate of success.
- 2). Disinfect your work area by washing with a solution that contains 1 part household bleach to 9 parts fresh water. Wipe down your work surface, your pruning shears, razor blade and toothpick.
- 3). Remove the top portion of the bean plant intended for use as the rootstock. Use sharp pruning shears to cut the upper foliage from the lower, main stem, about 3 inches above the surface of the soil. Make your cut straight across, forming a flat surface. Using your razor blade, make a 1/2-inch slit down the center of the stem. Place the blunt end of your toothpick into the middle of your slice, creating a gap for inserting your scions, the segments that attach to the graft.
- 4). Slice two segments from the bean plant you intend to grow as the foliage and fruiting portion of your grafted plant. Use your razor blade to make diagonal cuts, slicing off stem tips that measure about 2 inches in length. The angle of your diagonal cut should expose almost 1/2 inch of the inner portion of the stems. Press these exposed portions into the slice in your other bean plant, placing them on either side of your toothpick. Remove your toothpick.
- 5). Wrap your graft to hold your scions in place. Use a sterile piece of florist's tape, wrapping it two to three times around the cut stem that holds your grafted scions.
- 6). Place your grafted bean plant in a sunny location that receives at least eight hours of sunlight each day. Keep the grafted area dry and clean. Remove the florist's tape after the scions form two to three new sets of leaves. New leaf formation indicates the success of your graft union.
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