Beans (for drying) Growing Guide
Beans grown for drying are varieties where the pods are allowed to fully ripen and dry out on the plant. The dried beans can then be stored for use over winter in various culinary dishes like stews, soups, casseroles, and salads. Borlotti, runner, and French beans are popular choices. Most varieties grown for drying are climbers, which are more productive, though dwarf varieties exist and are best dried indoors.
This guidance applies to the crop in general. Individual varieties and local conditions can differ.
Planting information
For an early start, sow indoors from mid-April to May. Sow one bean 5cm deep into the centre of small pots or deep modules filled with moist peat-free multi-purpose compost. Keep on a sunny windowsill, in a propagator, or greenhouse at over 12°C. For outdoor sowing, wait until soil temperature reaches 12°C (usually mid-May in south UK, early June in north). Sow seeds 5cm deep. For climbing beans, sow one or two seeds at the base of each bamboo cane, thinning to one seedling per cane. For dwarf beans, sow seeds 10cm apart in rows, and thin to 30cm apart once growing well. Protect young plants from slugs and snails. After the last frost (late May or early June), harden off indoor-raised or bought young plants before transplanting. Ensure the planting site is prepared with organic matter and supports. Plant one climbing bean at the base of each bamboo cane and tie stems loosely to the support. Dwarf beans should be spaced 30cm apart when planting out.
Harvesting information
Beans begin to mature from July onwards. Harvest once the pods become dry, shrivelled, and brittle. Collect the ripe pods, remove the beans, and lay them on a tray in a warm place to fully dry out and turn hard. Avoid picking pods after rain to ensure they are as dry as possible. Harvest the last of the crop before the first frost. If any pods are not fully mature by then, pick, shell, and freeze the almost mature beans. After harvesting, cut plants down to the base; leave roots in the ground to boost soil nitrogen levels.
Storage information
Once dried, store the beans in airtight jars. Almost mature beans can be shelled and frozen for later use.