[Benandbill]

I've kept some this year for the first time, to dry them out and re sow next season.  I've noticed though, whereas when I podded them ready I only kept a small amount that were turning a funny brownish colour, now all of them are.

Is it a case of if you wouldn't eat it, don't plant it or when they're dry do you think they'll still be alright as seeds?

[mumofstig]

Like this?


This is quite normal and they get darker as they dry 

[LilacSandy]

Broad Bean seeds come in various colours depending on the variety,  some of my saved ones are green, green with a brownish tinge, light brown and golden brown.  When you say 'funny' brownish colour what do you mean?

[Goosegirl]

Seeds tend to turn from green to brown as they mature, so don't worry.

[Benandbill]

How do I attach a photo on here?

[mumofstig]

Have a look here
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=19476.0

[Benandbill]

Here they are...

[Benandbill]

Thanks mumofstig, LilacSandy and Goosegirl, my pic is above for you all to see, I'm confident from what you say that they'll be alright to plant out when completely dry.

Another question though, some of the bean seeds I have are very small and I'm wondering if these should be avoided as they will only yield, or are more likely to yield more small beans?  Not that I'm sizeist or anything 

[azubah]

I always go for the largest seed when growing veg as they look the strongest.

[Goosegirl]

I don't know the answer to that, so do an experiment with both big and small seeds, and don't forget to label them.

[LilacSandy]

I start 1/2 of mine off in pots weather big or small and then plant out the strongest, (I keep the rest in reserve in case there is a late frost).  The other 1/2 I plant direct into the soil and that way hope to spread the harvest right to the first frost.

[kennykoala]

g,day from d/under your beans look good for planting next year keep them dry in brown paper bag,don,t  plant small beans,always dig in some organic fert before planting and snip of tops to stop blackfly,