SNAP beans are one of America’s favorite vegetables and are very nutritious. There are a variety of ways to serve them and are included in many recipes.
There are many varieties of snap beans available in green, yellow (wax), purple, French (filet), Romano (flat), runner and half-runner. There are many cultivars, both open-pollinated and hybrid, available for the home gardener.
Bush beans are normally considered to be easier to grow and less time consuming. They can be planted in single or multiple rows and in raised beds. More beans can be grown and harvested in less space if you plant them in multiple rows or beds. Different cultivars may grow to different heights, but usually around 18 inches or so. Bush beans are also much easier to harvest because most cultivars grow beans in clusters and on top or close to the top of the plant. With pole beans, you sometimes have to really search for the beans. I always seemed to miss a few and they would grow to an enormous size!
They should be planted 3-4 inches apart in single rows or double rows 8 inches apart… Well, that is what some folks recommend. I either plant them in double or triple rows or in beds. I space the the seeds about 4 inches apart and kind of stagger them. Sometimes I get them to close, but that’s just the way it goes. My dad always uses a Garden Way seeder and plants in single rows. I know of no one that harvests as many beans as he does!!! If you have plenty of room, a single row is perfectly fine, but if you have limited space, raised beds are much better. Planting in double dug, wide rows or raised beds has many benefits over single row planting. I will do a page on this later. There are many books on sustainable gardening that you should read. No matter how you plant them, remember, the plants need good air circulation to prevent disease.
Now, harvesting time depends on the cultivar, but normally bush beans are ready to harvest 45-55 days from direct sowing. You should pick them before the bean seeds start getting plump. They will be more tender, and even stringless varieties will develop strings and become fibrous if you don’t pick them when they are ready. If you wait to long, you will just have to use them as a shell bean!
They can be eaten raw or cooked. If you steam or boil them, they should not be over cooked as they can loose some of their nutritional value. They can be picked and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days before eating. They can be canned, frozen , or dried. If you freeze them, they will have to be blanched first. Don’t just stick them in the freezer in a bag because enzymatic action will start. This will cause loss of flavor, texture, and color.
SEE the pages on PRESERVING THE HARVEST!
IN 2010 I hope to plant Giant Stringless, Kentucky Wonder Bush, and Black Valentine.
This page has the following sub pages.
