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| Mardi Gras Blend from Seeds by Design National Garden Bureau |
Green beans were once referred to as string beans due to the long fibrous thread along the pod seams. The first stringless green bean was developed in 1894 by Calvin Keeney who later became known as the “Father of the stringless bean”.
Basic Types of Garden Beans:
1. Bush beans are the workhorse of the garden and the mainstay in the kitchen. Bush beans are compact and fit well into both small garden patches or patio containers fitted with cages
2. Pole beans with their vining habits and can be trained up poles, trellises, netting, or supportive structures such as a teepee.
3. Filet beans or Haricots Vert (French green beans) are distinguished by elegant ultra-slim pods. Due to their delicate appearance, Filet beans are gaining in popularity with foodies and chefs. Filet beans come in both bush and pole bean types.
4. Dried or shelling beans are grown for their edible seeds rather than edible pods. Pinto beans, kidney beans, and black beans fall into this category.
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| Kentucky Wonder Rust Resistant Pole from Ferry-Morse National Garden Bureau |
• Beans are warm-weather vegetables and are best planted after soil temperatures reach 70F.
• Avoid sowing too early in the season. Cool wet soils can lead to rot.
• Beans thrive with at least eight hours of daily sun, moderate fertility, and well-drained soil.
• Beans have shallow roots, weed carefully to prevent damage to the root system.
• Mulch the soil around the bean plant; consistent moisture results in the highest quality harvests.
• Quick to mature, harvests can begin 50-60 days after sowing.
• Bush beans typically grow 12 to 24 inches tall and produce harvests for about 3 weeks.
• Succession sowing of bush beans every 2-3 weeks will produce delicious beans all season.
• Pole beans have a long harvest season, generally lasting about six to eight weeks.
• Harvest frequently to encourage pod production.
• Yellow wax beans lack chlorophyll and will retain their beautiful golden color when cooked.
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| Saba from Pure Line National Garden Bureau |
A good indication of when to harvest is to reference the days to maturity for the specific variety. Pick green beans when pods are young and tender, just before the seeds begin to swell. Beans will “snap” when you bend and break them. If they are immature, they won’t snap!
Fresh unwashed green beans should remain fresh for up to a week when stored in a reusable container or plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Versatile in culinary preparation, garden beans can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, stir-fried, grilled, or baked. For the best eating experience, cooked green beans should still have a crisp texture and an appetizing bright green color.
For additional information and varieties: National Garden Bureau
