Dried beans are varieties specifically cultivated for their mature, dried seeds, such as kidney, black, or navy beans. Growing these legumes offers a substantial source of plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, and dietary fiber directly from the garden. They are a rewarding and practical crop, allowing gardeners to store a year’s worth of food from a single harvest. Successful cultivation requires attention to variety selection and precise timing during harvesting and curing.
Selecting Suitable Varieties and Site Preparation
Successful dry bean cultivation begins with selecting a variety suitable for the local climate. Bush-type plants, such as navy or pinto beans, mature faster and do not require structural support. Pole varieties, like Scarlet Runner, need trellising but yield a larger harvest in a smaller footprint over a longer season. The planting site must provide at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Bean plants thrive in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. Planting should occur only after the last spring frost has passed and the soil temperature consistently reaches 60°F (16°C). Cold, wet soil hinders germination and can lead to seed rot.
Cultivation and Ongoing Plant Care
Seeds should be planted about one inch deep and spaced three to six inches apart, depending on the variety. Consistent soil moisture is important throughout the growing season, particularly when the plants begin to flower and set pods. Irregular watering during this phase can cause flowers or small pods to drop prematurely, reducing the final yield.
Pole bean varieties require the immediate installation of a stake or trellis system at planting for vertical support. This keeps the foliage off the ground, improving air circulation and reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Bush varieties benefit from a light layer of mulch to maintain soil temperature and suppress weeds.
Monitoring for common pests, such as aphids or the Mexican bean beetle, is a regular part of plant care. Organic prevention involves inspecting the undersides of leaves and removing pests manually or applying insecticidal soap if infestations become severe.
Harvesting Beans for Drying
The timing of the dry bean harvest is the most important factor for successful storage. Beans intended for drying must remain on the plant until the pods are completely mature, dry, and brittle. The plant reduces the moisture content of the seeds, which is necessary for long-term preservation.
Visual indicators of readiness include the pods changing color from green to straw yellow, brown, or purplish, depending on the variety. A reliable test is gently shaking a pod; the mature, hardened seeds inside should produce a rattling sound. Picking beans too early, when the pods are still soft, results in seeds too moist for safe storage, leading to mold or spoilage.
Harvesting can be done by cutting the entire plant at the base once the majority of pods have dried (common for bush types). Alternatively, individual dried pods can be picked over several weeks as they reach maturity (common for pole varieties). If heavy rain or frost is predicted, the entire plant should be cut and moved to a sheltered location.
This sheltered area, such as a covered porch or garage, must be dry and well-ventilated. Allowing the pods to fully dry ensures the seed coat is hardened and the internal moisture level is low enough for curing.
Curing and Long-Term Storage
Once the pods are brittle and crack open easily, the seeds can be shelled (threshing), separating the beans from the chaff. Threshing should only occur when the beans are entirely dry and hard, as residual moisture compromises storage life. The next step is curing, where the shelled beans are spread in a single layer on trays or screens in a cool, dry location away from direct sun.
Curing for one to two weeks allows remaining moisture within the beans to dissipate, ensuring they are prepared for long-term preservation. The goal is to reduce the moisture content below 15% to inhibit mold growth and insect activity. Before sealing, some gardeners briefly freeze the beans to eliminate any potential weevil eggs.
Cured dry beans must be stored in airtight containers, such as glass jars or food-grade buckets, to prevent reabsorption of atmospheric moisture. These containers should be placed in a dark, cool, and dry environment, typically a pantry or cellar, where the temperature remains stable. Stored properly, dried beans maintain their quality and viability for several years.