Bean (legume) Information

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We have separated all the Bean Seeds into those Used for Fresh Eating and those Used for Dry Use. Many beans are listed in both categories as they can be eaten fresh when young and/or left on the vine to dry and be saved for use in soups or bean pots in the winter.

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Companion Planting - plant near brassicas, carrots, cucumbers, potatoes, summer savory and turnips. Do not plant near beets, chives, gladiolae or onions.

Purple beans, such as Royal Burgundy, are supposed to tolerate the cold well and so can be planted a couple of weeks earlier than most beans which should be planted only when the soil is becoming warm. Pole beans need more regular rainfall.
Peas, beans and other legumes will be more productive if nitrogen inoculant (see below) is added to the seeds at planting time, especially if planted in an area where legumes haven’t been grown before or where the soil is poor.

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Nitrogen inoculant ..........................................................$6.95/pkg

Nitrogen inoculant contains a harmless bacteria which forms nodules on the roots of legumes (peas, beans, etc.). These turn nitrogen gas from the air into nitrogen fertilizer available for use by the plants. The increased yields are especially noticeable for soils with low organic matter content, low pH soils and soils which haven’t grown legumes before.

One package of inoculant will treat up to 5 lbs. of garden peas, beans, soybeans and sweet peas. Pour a small amount of inoculant directly onto slightly dampened seeds and stir. Plant seeds immediately without letting the inoculant dry out.