I've saved many seeds over the last few years, but have not saved green beans. We are hearing let them dry on the vine/bush, and then hearing "don't do that" also.
I would love tips/advice. We purchased heirloom Rote Von Paris bush beans and another heirloom runner bean. We plan to seeds from both.
For peas I let them dry on the vine. I haven't saved any beans but I don't see why you can't let them dry too. This year I grabbed a handful of black beans from my cooking stash (organic) and planted them to see what would happen. They are thriving well, though we will have to wait and see about production. It's all an experiment.
Thanks Laurie. I left some heirloom peas on the vine, as they are about ending their season here. DH wanted me to pick them, but I told him I was checking on how to save them. I expect the economy to get worse, and want to make sure I have seeds of my own for next season.
Yup, there are certain things I save seed for every year. I hope to expand that collection this year, but we'll see how much time (and energy) with the baby due early fall I have. Best of luck.
I saved seeds for the first time last fall. I had great success with heirloom tomatoes, but you have to ferment the seeds (not a big deal). All squashes are super easy to save and peppers. I don't know how to post a link but Seed Savers Exchange has great resources and a huge selection of heirloom veggies.
A city chick learning to scratch in the country dirt
I'd let the pods turn papery and dry on the vine so you know they are fully ripe. Green beans are immature fruit. Than finish drying the ponds out inside. Shell them and keep the beans that are hard, full and tight in a paper envelope stored in an air tight container in the fridge. They should be good to go for next year.
saving seeds
Posted - Jul 06 2011 : 10:23:49 AM
