Beans
Cultural Practices Snap beans grown for the pod are the most common. Some beans, like limas, soybeans and dried beans, are primarily grown for the seed itself and not the pod. The bush snap bean is the most popular because of its early maturity and because trellising is not required. Varieties include standard green, yellow wax and purple-pod types, giving the gardener a larger choice than is generally available in supermarkets. Though wax beans are yellow and waxy in appearance, their flavor is only subtly different from that of regular green snap beans. Purple-pod beans are different in appearance during growth, but the pods turn green when cooked. Flat-pod green snap beans are somewhat different in flavor and texture than the round-pod ones and are preferred by many gardeners. These are available in both bush and pole types. The first plantings of bush beans should be made in spring after the danger of frost is past and the soil is warm because seeds planted in cold soils germinate slowly and are susceptible to rotting. Also, seedling growth may be slow in cool temperatures. For a longer harvest period, plant two crops of bush beans 2 to 3 weeks apart. Snap beans should be picked regularly to keep plants producing heavily. Half-runner beans have a growth habit somewhat between bush and pole beans, producing beans usually used as snap beans. Though they have runners about 3 feet long, half-runners are generally grown like bush beans. Trellising, however, may increase production of these already heavy yielders. Pole-type beans come in many varieties and generally bear over a longer period than bush types. They require trellising, and for that reason, they generally yield more in the same amount of space. Pole beans are natural climbers but will not interweave themselves through horizontal wires. A tripod support can be made with three wooden poles or large branches that are lashed together at the top. Five to six seeds are planted in a circle 6 to 8 inches from each pole. Many types of homemade trellises are effective as long as they provide the needed support. Trellises should be 6 to 8 feet tall and sturdy enough to withstand strong winds and rain (refer to illustrations in the "Vertical Gardening" section of this chapter for examples of bean trellises). Scarlet runner beans are a type of pole bean which are quite ornamental as well as productive and delicious. The vines grow rapidly, producing beautiful red flowers and beans which may be harvested as snap beans when young and as green shell beans later. Beans are ready to pick in 75 to 85 days, and several pounds are produced per plant. The value of scarlet runner beans is mainly ornamental although the lush 6 to 15 foot vines can be used to cover arbors, trellises or fences. An added feature is that hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers. According to some catalogs, the scarlet runner bean grows better in cooler weather than standard beans; in some very hot areas, the vines may not produce all summer as they do in cooler regions. Regular picking of mature beans will prolong the life of the vines. Lima beans are available in bush or pole types. Bush limas mature about 10 to 15 days earlier than pole limas. However, pole limas have better yields and produce longer than bush limas. Soil temperature must be 65 degrees F. for 5 days in order for the beans to germinate. Because the large seeds store considerable amounts of carbohydrates, limas are quite susceptible to soil fungi and bacteria. The sooner the seedling can start using the stored food, the better. Seed treated with antifungal agents will help improve germination rates. Soil should be kept moist (but not soaking) until the seedlings come through the ground. Do not allow a crust to form on the soil since it will be difficult for the seedlings to push through. To prevent crusting and conserve moisture, spread a light mulch over the seeded row. A cold, wet spell can cause lima flowers to drop, as can excessively hot and dry periods, thus reducing yields. Baby limas or butter beans are less susceptible to blossom drop problems. Southern peas are not actually beans or peas, but are a separate genus; however, they are used in the same ways. There are three common types: black-eyed pea, cream pea and crowder pea. Southern peas may be harvested in the green shell or in the dried pea stage. The yard-long or asparagus bean is related to black-eyed peas and has similar flavor, but the entire pod can be eaten. On trellised vines, pods may reach one 1/2 to two feet in length. Asparagus beans need warm temperatures and a long growing season. Look for seeds in the novelty, gourmet, Oriental or children's sections of seed catalogs. Soybeans are gaining popularity because of their high nutritional value and versatility. Catalogs often list them as "edible" soybeans; actually, all soybeans are edible, but those in garden catalogs have been bred to perform under ordinary garden conditions by requiring a shorter season and not growing as tall as the field types. There is also a difference in flavor and texture, similar to that between sweet com and field corn. Soybeans are less sensitive to frost and may have fewer insect problems than standard beans. Soybeans are quite delicious when harvested as green shell beans, or they can be allowed to dry on the vine. Soybean pods are quite difficult to open; cook them for a few minutes to soften the pod before removing the beans. There are many varieties of dried beans; some can be used green, but they also dry well and are easily stored. Growing dried beans in small gardens is somewhat impractical since a large amount of space is required to raise a suitable quantity of beans for storage. Many types of dried beans can be purchased in supermarkets at a very low cost; it may be more efficient to grow crops of higher value in limited spaces. However, if you have a sufficiently large garden and enjoy shelling beans in fall, they are worth a try. Some varieties available to gardeners are either rare or completely unavailable in the supermarket. The horticultural or October bean is widely grown in parts of Texas. The colorful pods and beans make it an attractive addition to the garden and kitchen. Pinto bean seeds are smaller but look similar to horticultural bean seeds. They are widely used as brown beans or refried beans in Mexican dishes. Black beans or black turtle beans make an unusual, delicious, black-colored soup. They are easy to grow, but need plenty of air movement to make them less susceptible to disease problems. Kidney beans are the popular chili and baking bean, and are available in deep-red or white types. Navy pea and Great Northern beans are used in soups and as baked beans as well. Native to India, Mung beans have enjoyed a rise in popularity because of their use as sprouts in Oriental dishes and salads. Seeds are available for home gardeners. Mung beans require 90 days of warm weather for good yields in the garden. Garbanzos or chickpeas do not look like other bean plants. Garbanzos are leguminous and are actually not true beans or true peas The fine-textured foliage is an attractive addition to the garden. Plant many seeds; like limas, the meaty seeds tend to rot if they do not rapidly germinate and grow. Also, each pod contains only one or two seeds. These nutty-flavored beans of unusual texture are good roasted, in salads or in soups. Garbanzos require a warm climate and a long growing season (100 days). Fava beans or broad beans are quite hardy; they are often substituted for limas in cool climates. Favas are sown in early spring or late summer; they do not grow well in warm weather. Some people of Mediterranean origin have a genetic trait which causes a strong allergic reaction to fava beans. People of this descent should sample the beans in small quantities at first. |