How to grow

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Background

Blue Lake climbing beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are an heirloom variety of climbing bean that type of bean that is known for their juicy and flavoursome stringless pods. It’s a legume, which means that it can draw nitrogen from the atmosphere and fix it in the soil

The Blue Lake climbing bean dates back to 1885. It was developed in the Blue Lakes district of California by farmers who were looking for a way to grow beans that were more resistant to the cold weather and that had a longer shelf life.

Climbing beans themselves have a much longer history.

Beans are native to the Americas, where their cultivation can be traced back 8000 years! Native Americans historically grew them as a part of The Three Sisters, alongside corn and pumpkin.

Beans were introduced to Europe by Christopher Colombus in 1493

Initial responses to the humble bean were unenthusiastic. It was thought to be tough and stringy and was grown mainly as an ornamental plant. Selective breeding over the generations lead to the development of the crisp and tasty beans that we know and enjoy today.

Health Benefits

Homegrown organic beans are good for you

Beans are a great source of vitamins (Folate and C) and minerals (potassium). Including beans in a balanced, wholefood diet can help with digestion and gut health, protecting against chronic disease and regulating blood pressure.

Growing Tips and Tricks

Beans like to grow in full sun, so make sure that you choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Beans like to grow in rich free draining soil, so before planting, enrich your beds with compost, worm castings or well rotted manure. As they grow, beans will need some support to climb. You can use bamboo canes, stakes, sticks, fences, or a trellis

Watering: Blue Lake climbing beans need to be watered regularly, but be careful not to overwater. The soil should be moist, but not soggy.

Common problems:

White mould on leaves? Powdery mildew: Pick off affected leaves to prevent spread, make sure plants are nice and spaced to allow enough airflow and sunshine to the plants

Seedling emerge, turn yellow and die? Root rot. Solution, wait until soil is warm before planting and don’t plant if potatoes or beans have been in that bed in the last year.

Harvest: Blue Lake climbing beans are ready to harvest in 70-80 days. Harvest when the pods are full and the beans are plump. To harvest, simply snap the pods off the vine. When the beans start to ripen, harvest regularly to get them at their best.

Patch to plate

The best beans are homegrown beans. They’re so good, that they are best enjoyed straight of the vine in the garden. If you’re growing an abundance, there’s plenty you can do with your delicious beans in the kitchen too. Here’s a little bit of culinary inspo for turning your beans into tasty meals:

• Lightly steamed and then tossed in a pan with garlic, butter, lemon juice and herbs as a vibrant green side dish.
• Stirfried with sesame oil and garlic and topped with crispy shallots
• Lightly steamed and served with bitter leaves and shellfish as a delicious salad