Beans
Phaseolus officinalis
History
The common bean is the species which most beans belong to. From the Anasazi bean to the yellow eye bean they have been cultivated as long as if not longer then most grains. The common bean is native to the americas and where a part of the 3 sisters garden technique used by native americas. >It is belived that christopher columbus Brought the beans back with him from the new world, however most record dont show bean trades occuring until the 1600s. He had noted when arriving in the new world many of the crops were new to him. and the ones they did know had a far larger varitey to them.
Common beans have become popular in dishes around the world become a staple crop for many cultures. The largest bean produces are india and brazil which are responsible for 28% of bean production worldwide
Growing conditions
Sunlight
Needs atleast 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature Range
60F-85F.
Soil Conditions
Sandy Loam soil.
Water
1 to 2 inches of water per week.
Water the plants when the topsoil is dry to the touch. may require more while flowering.
Nutrients
10-10-5 during vegitation.
5-10-10 during flowering.
pH
6.0-7.0
Plant care
Sowing Seeds
Seeds need to been sown ay least one inch deep one the soil is above 60F and the risk of frost has passed. Straw can help retain moisture and heat in the early stages of life.
Germination
Seeds can take 5 to 10 days to germinate
Thin out any over crowded plants and give them 2 to 4 inches of space between plants. it is best to set up a trellis early and guide them through it.
Pruning
Remove dead and diseased leaves from the plant and scrap them. Thin out leaves to help increase air flow and remove the top of the lead vine for side shoots to grow out.
Harvest
Wait until the bean plant starts to die back naturally. The pods will begin turning brown and you can rattle the beans in the pod indicating that they are ready. Once the beans are collected the must be boiled for aleast 30 minutes and blanch the beans to remove lictins.
Growing Tips
Beans can fix nitrogen in the soil and are commonly grown with corn and squash in the three sisters technique.
Beans are part an essential part of crop rotaion. Planting them in different spots evey year can help improve overall soil conditions.
Available through local listings
Local markets
- Beans
