Growing beans for drying is an incredibly rewarding process, offering not only a bountiful harvest but also the satisfaction of enjoying homegrown beans year-round. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, this guide will help you get started and make the most of your bean crop.
Choosing the Right Beans
The best beans for drying include climbing and pole beans, as well as pea beans. These types thrive when given space to grow vertically and can be harvested once mature. Popular varieties like Borlotti beans (often found under names like ‘Lingua di Fuoco’ or ‘Centofiamme’) are visually stunning and perfect for drying. Runner bean ‘Czar’ is another great option for its creamy texture, making it ideal for use as butter beans. Many seed catalogs also offer specific bean varieties recommended for drying, so it’s worth exploring those.
Planting Beans for Drying
To successfully grow beans for drying, timing and soil preparation are key. Beans require a long growing season, so it’s best to start them indoors in mid-spring or outdoors in late spring, once the soil has warmed. The risk of frost should have passed, but you should still aim to plant early enough to avoid a shortened growing season. If necessary, warm up the soil in advance by covering it with row covers or garden fleece a few weeks before planting.
Start seeds in small pots, planting two seeds per pot and thinning to one strong seedling per pot. If your seeds are fresh, you can generally plant one seed per pot. Once the danger of frost has passed, transplant the seedlings outdoors into a well-prepared bed, ensuring that supports like bamboo canes or a wigwam structure are in place before planting. This provides sturdy support as the plants grow tall. Double rows or wigwams are great options, especially in windy areas, as they help the plants stay upright.
Supporting Bean Plants
Bean plants need support as they grow. Ensure the supports are sturdy enough to withstand wind, as beans can grow quite tall. For extra stability, lean young plants gently against their supports until they start climbing on their own. Throughout the growing season, regularly water the plants and remove weeds to allow the beans to thrive.
Harvesting and Drying Beans
Harvesting beans for drying requires patience. The key is to allow the pods to fully mature and dry on the plant. Beans will swell in the pods, and as they dry, the pods will turn a pale straw color. You can pick some fresh pods early, but leave most of the plants to mature.
Once the pods are dry (the beans should rattle inside), remove them from the plants and finish drying them in a warm, dry location. If you’re in a humid climate, or if the weather is wet, it’s best to bring the plants indoors before the first frost and hang them in a greenhouse or similar dry space. Be mindful that beans left outside in damp conditions could be at risk of rotting or freezing.
After drying, shell the beans into trays and continue drying them in a warm space until they feel light and hollow when tapped. Once completely dry, store the beans in glass jars, such as Mason jars, in a cool, dark place to preserve their quality.
Preparing Dried Beans for Cooking
Before cooking dried beans, it’s crucial to soak them overnight or for at least 8 hours. Soaking helps remove lectins, which can cause digestive discomfort if not properly prepared. After soaking, place the beans in fresh water, bring it to a vigorous boil for 10 minutes, then lower the heat and simmer until the beans are tender.
Home-dried beans cook faster than store-bought beans and taste far superior. Use them in a variety of dishes such as stews, casseroles, soups, and tagines. Whether you’re looking for a hearty winter meal or a reminder of summer, your homegrown dried beans will be a flavorful and protein-packed addition to any dish.
Conclusion
Growing beans for drying is not only an enjoyable gardening project, but it also provides a sustainable and delicious source of food for the colder months. By following the right steps—choosing the right varieties, ensuring proper soil preparation, supporting the plants, and harvesting at the right time—you can enjoy the fruits of your labor year-round. With careful planning, you’ll have beans ready to cook, offering comfort and flavor long after the summer ends.