Hey guys I'm new here but have gardened for nearly 40 years. About 25 years ago I subscribed to organic gardening magazine. There was a artical about Dr. Martin pole Lima beans and I had to try them. They are a family heirloom raised by a family in New Jersy, John Guyer (Fern Hill Farm). I ordered these beans which were seven cents each which I thought was way to much at the time but so what I try somethin new every year. Anyway the instructions were to plant 6' apart and to use heavy poles up to 8' high (who were they kidding). Well in my infinite wisdon I used field fence and planted 2' apart. Was I in for an awakening they didin't lie. I had them all over the ground so leason learned. The following year I followed the instructions and put in 4x4 posts and used concrete reinforcing wire and have used them ever since (25 years). These are the best lima beans I have ever tried with pods 5 to 6 inches long easy to shell and seeds up to 5 beans per pod the size of a teaspoon. I don't know if they are still avalable since I talked to John several years back and his wife passed away and he was deciding weather to continue selling seed. He did say he was working with a major seed supplier to see if the wanted to raise and sell the beans but I never heard back from him. Now that I've given you a little back ground. As I said I have raised these beans for 25 years and saved seed ever year. I am willing to share any extra seed I have if anyone is interested I only ask you pay postage for shipping. This is such a good bean I would like to see it spread aroud so that if I have a bad year as I did last year it can be saved and not go by the wayside. I would also ask anyone who gets them to share with others.
Oh there is a trick to germinate this bean it is so large that I place them between damp paper towels on a try and put in aplastic bag unsealed then place it in a warm place like on top of the refrigerator untill they sprout, carefully peal the skin off and put in large styrafoam cups with hole in bottom and potting soil untill two mature leaves are set then plant in garden. They don't do well with direct planting.
I would also like to say how greatfull I am to John if by chance your still with us.
Ken
Oh there is a trick to germinate this bean it is so large that I place them between damp paper towels on a try and put in aplastic bag unsealed then place it in a warm place like on top of the refrigerator untill they sprout, carefully peal the skin off and put in large styrafoam cups with hole in bottom and potting soil untill two mature leaves are set then plant in garden. They don't do well with direct planting.
I would also like to say how greatfull I am to John if by chance your still with us.
Ken
