Runner Bean question

[THE DOG]

Hi guys was hoping for a couple of tips here, i have a bag full of runner beans that have gone a bit to big for my liking.

How would you guys reccomend drying them out, so they can be used to sew and plant next year?

Your advice will be greatly appreciated.

Dougie

[jacob marley]

First of all take them out of the bag and spread them out in the sun keeping them dry and when the pods have gone dry and brittle take them out and when they are realy dry keep them in a nice dry warm place until it is time to sow them next year making sure the mice and other pest's do not get at them....jacob

[THE DOG]

Thanks Jacob, just the job, i should have looooads of beans from this batch.

[the prettiest star]

Hi

Jacobs advice is fine except the bit about storing saved seed in a "warm" place. Saved seed should always be kept in a cool (or cold) place. Enjoy your beans.

[Two_Sheds]

Hi guys was hoping for a couple of tips here, i have a bag full of runner beans that have gone a bit to big for my liking.

If they aren't already halfway to being dried when you pick them, they won't be mature enough for sowing. Sorry.

[Welsh Wizard]

Best to leave them to dry on the plant, the pods go all leathery and the beanseeds are rattling around inside. I dont think beans picked for eating and then left too long will work well for seed; they will have been picked too early for the seed to be ripened, so you may find you wont get many to germinate.

[womble]

If the bean seeds you have picked when dry look a nice colour and smooth, then they should be fine to eat when dried, or sown next year.
If they are only halfway to a colour or have a greenish tinge, or go wrinkled, throw them away, as they won't dry properly. But you can eat them now if you want.

[HayleyB]

Pod the beans and bung them in a freezer, to cook make sure you boil them on a roll for about 8-10 minutes drain then add to stews or chillis for the last half hour or so until soft.

[THE DOG]

Oh wow, some great responses guys thanyou