Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: johnjsdb on January 30, 2019, 11:38

Title: Beans for drying
Post by: johnjsdb on January 30, 2019, 11:38

Hi
I am planning to grow a few varieties for drying.
I have some borlotti beans and wizard field beans, I plan to get some others (about 7 or 8) but I am finding it confusing as to what varieties to choose, I would like all of them to be climbing varieties.
Does anyone have a favorite or even a list of suitable varieties.

Title: Re: Beans for drying
Post by: Mr Dog on January 30, 2019, 13:21

Runner beans - I always grow more plants than we need for pods and after a while stop harvesting from some and leave the pods to grow and dry for winter use.

Title: Re: Beans for drying
Post by: New shoot on January 30, 2019, 13:26

My must haves are borlotti and Cherokee Trail of Tears (small black beans that are nutty and delicious).  Last year I tried Lazy Housewife and they were a really good option for a late cropper.  The Cherokee and Housewife are also good for eating fresh if you want to  :)

Title: Re: Beans for drying
Post by: AnneB on January 30, 2019, 17:47

Quote from: johnjsdb on January 30, 2019, 11:38

Hi
I am planning to grow a few varieties for drying.
I have some borlotti beans and wizard field beans, I plan to get some others (about 7 or 8) but I am finding it confusing as to what varieties to choose, I would like all of them to be climbing varieties.
Does anyone have a favorite or even a list of suitable varieties.

Wizard field beans are not climbing beans at all - they grow to about 1.3 or 1.4 metres in height - best grown in a block. Just like broad beans.   I would recommend the Gigantes variety of runner beans - they are excellent for drying to use in soups and stews.  I got mine from Real Seeds.