Green bean seeds

[ThePigeonKid]

How do you collect seeds from green beans to plant next year?

 

[lesa]

I let them dry on the vine. When the pods are good and brown, pick them. Pick one and look at the beans inside, to be sure they are ready. Store them in a dark, dry area and they should be good to go- come spring. I had quite a few self-seed this year, from beans I left on the fence over winter...

 

[journey11]

Yep, it's best to let them dry on the vine. I shell mine, let them sit out for about 2 weeks to be sure they're good and dry, then I bag 'em and put in the fridge or freezer to help preserve their viability.

 

[bills]

Do to our wetter fall weather, I find that several of the mature bush beans will rot on the vine if left. That being the case I try to leave the bean on the vine as long as possible, so the seed is large and has a chance to mature. You can see the size of the seed through the pod, as it swells up quite a bit.
I pick them at this stage, and let them sit in a basket, that allows air circulation. I check them from time to time to makes sure none of them are starting to rot. After the pod had dried completely, I break it open and remove the beans. I store them in a paper bag, in my garage, which stays pretty cold all winter.

My runner beans being up off the ground, and with plenty of air circulation don't tend to rot as quickly, so often I can leave them to dry on the vine.

 

[Schroeder]

Yep, it's best to let them dry on the vine. I shell mine, let them sit out for about 2 weeks to be sure they're good and dry, then I bag 'em and put in the fridge or freezer to help preserve their viability.

Can green beans saved this way be used in the winter for ham and beans? Is the flavor ok?

 

[ThePigeonKid]

OK, thanks for all of the advice!

 

[journey11]

Yep, it's best to let them dry on the vine. I shell mine, let them sit out for about 2 weeks to be sure they're good and dry, then I bag 'em and put in the fridge or freezer to help preserve their viability.

Can green beans saved this way be used in the winter for ham and beans? Is the flavor ok?

I'd choose a bean variety that is known for being useful as a dried bean. For example, my green beans from this year are not (they are tiny and white).

Here's a recent thread on drying black beans: http://www.theeasygarden.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=29674