Phelan, the giant killer

Today at the Neophyte Homestead, we will be planting beans. Lots and lots of beans. Besides popcorn, beans are a major staple for the homestead garden. Easy to grow, very nutritious, and abundant.

First, don't fertilize. Beans can fend for themselves. Too much nitrogen caused by fertilizers will create gorgeous bushes and vines, but nary a pod. If you have clay soil, general rule, the bigger the seed the better. If you can afford it, buy some top soil to mix in with your clay.

They need at least 6 hours of full sun.

I tend to lean toward bush type beans. Honestly I get tired of trellising just about everything in my garden. If I can eliminate something to trellis, I am.

If you are not up for a massive quanty of beans or peas at once, plant them a week or so apart. But as most of us are canning, go for it.

Dried beans, allow them to grow without harvesting. Toward the end of the growing season, yank them out of the ground, and hang upside down, over something to catch any that may fall. Allow them to dry, in their pods, on the plant. Harvest and tuck into bags or jars. Instructions for canning dried goods can be found here.