Yard Long Beans, also known as Snake Beans, Asparagus Beans, or Chinese Long Beans, are a unique and versatile vegetable. These beans produce long, slender pods that can grow up to 90 cm in length, though they are best harvested when around 30 cm long and as thick as a pencil. This ensures the beans are tender and sweet, perfect for various culinary uses. If the pods are left to mature, the beans inside can be shelled, dried, and stored for future use in soups and stews. However, like most pulses, dried beans must be soaked overnight and boiled vigorously for 10 minutes before simmering to eliminate toxins.
How to Grow Yard Long Beans from Seed
Starting from Seed Yard Long Beans are best started from seed, similar to regular green beans. To begin, plant the seeds about ½ inch (1.3 cm) deep, spacing them approximately one foot (0.3 m) apart in rows or grids. Expect germination within 10-15 days, given optimal conditions.
Optimal Growing Conditions Yard Long Beans thrive in warm summer conditions. They should be planted in the sunniest area of your garden. In cooler regions, such as the Pacific Northwest, it’s beneficial to plant them in a raised bed and cover it with clear plastic row covers for the first few weeks to retain warmth. Only transplant the seedlings once the soil has warmed sufficiently.
Support and Growth As a climbing variety, Yard Long Beans require support. This can be provided using a fence, trellis, or poles for the plants to climb. Due to their warm weather preference, it may take two to three months for the plants to start flowering, but once they do, the beans mature rapidly.
Harvesting Yard Long Beans should be harvested when they reach about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) in width and between 12-18 inches (30-46 cm) in length, despite their ability to grow up to 3 feet (.9 m). These beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days in a sealable plastic bag, ideally placed in the vegetable crisper with high humidity.
How to Grow Long Beans in Pots
Container Selection For growing Yard Long Beans in pots, choose a 5-gallon food-grade container, preferably white, to reflect sunlight and prevent the roots from overheating. Ensure proper drainage by drilling holes at the bottom of the container, as poor drainage can lead to harmful anaerobic conditions for the plant roots.
Soil Preparation Avoid using dense native soil. Instead, opt for a potting mix or create your own by mixing one-third compost, one-third peat moss or coco coir, and one-third vermiculite or perlite. If using peat moss, adding dolomite lime will help balance the soil pH. Pre-moisten the soil before filling the pots to avoid dry pockets that can impede plant growth.
Planting and Care Fill the container about three-quarters full, leaving room for root expansion and preventing excess moisture retention at the bottom. Beans can be started in cells with coco coir and transplanted into the pot or sown directly into the prepared soil. Once the beans begin flowering, maintain high moisture levels and apply mulch to retain soil moisture. Fertilizer may not be necessary if the soil is rich in compost. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers and beans.
Harvesting in Pots Regularly harvest the beans to encourage continuous production. Handle the plant gently during harvesting to avoid damaging it.
Yard Long Bean Growing Season
Warm Weather Preference Yard Long Beans flourish in warm summers, requiring sustained warmth for optimal growth and production. The seeds typically germinate within 10-15 days, but flowering may take two to three months, especially in cooler climates.
Planting Time To maximize growth, plant Yard Long Beans only after the soil has warmed sufficiently. In cooler regions, covering the bed with clear plastic row covers can help warm the soil and promote healthy growth.
When to Harvest Yard Long Beans
Timing of Harvest Yard Long Beans are ready for harvest 35 to 40 days after transplanting, depending on the cultivar. It’s crucial to harvest the beans while they are still immature, before the seeds and pods fully develop, to ensure the best taste and texture.
Optimal Harvesting Time The best time to harvest Yard Long Beans is during the coolest part of the day, typically early in the morning. This helps maintain the beans’ crispness. During the rainy season or on humid days, allow the beans to dry in a shaded area after harvesting to prevent disease.
Avoid Afternoon Harvests Avoid harvesting in the afternoon, as the beans may lose too much water, compromising their crispness.
Harvesting Technique When harvesting, either pinch the stem with your thumbnail pressed against your index finger or use pruning shears or scissors. Always leave at least one centimeter of the stem attached to avoid tearing the pods. If a pod is accidentally torn, it’s best to discard it.
Post-Harvest Handling After harvesting, keep the beans out of direct sunlight. Heat increases the pod’s respiration rate, which can cause the beans to lose up to 10% of their weight in just a few hours during dry periods.
FAQs
1. How long do yard long beans take to grow?
Yard long beans typically take about 60 to 90 days to reach maturity from the time they are planted. This growth period can vary depending on the climate, soil conditions, and care provided. You’ll start seeing pods develop within 60 days, and they can grow rapidly, so regular harvesting is key to encourage continuous production.
2. Can you grow yard long beans in containers?
Yes, yard long beans can be grown in containers. Choose a deep container, at least 12 inches in diameter, to allow the roots to spread. Ensure the container has good drainage and place a trellis or support system for the vines to climb. Container gardening is a great option if you’re short on garden space or want to grow beans on a patio or balcony.
3. What is the best soil for yard long beans?
The best soil for yard long beans is well-draining, sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, around 6.0 to 7.0. Adding compost or aged manure to the soil can enhance fertility and improve moisture retention, providing ideal conditions for the beans to thrive.
