Runner Beans Bean for next year

[steveadlem]

Hi, today I chopped down my runner beans in a "clear the land and prep for next year" mood. I also dug a runner bean trench which I've never done before.

BUT MY QUESTION IS:

I want to harvest the leftover runner Beans that were left on the plants to sow for next year, but do I take them out of the runner now to dry or leave them in longer to dry?

Thanks
Steve

[teakdesk]

Personally I leave them on the plants until the pods are dry and crispy before harvesting.

As you've already picked them I'd leave them in the pods in a cool dark place until the pods are crispy brown and then strip the seeds out.

[veggiechicken]

More advice at How To Save Your Own Seed at Home
Be aware that your runner beans may not come true next year if other runner beans were being grown nearby.

[Chippy Minton]

I usually leave them on until the first frost (usually before they get fully crispy round here) and then finish drying them off indoors. Would have to bow to VC on knowledge of coming true though....

[veggiechicken]

.............and I'm bowing to Realseeds, Chippy

[Small pumpkin]

I've saved runner bean seeds for the first time this year. The 2 varieties will be crossed as they share the same wigwam. It will be interesting to see how they turn out next year. But as long as they taste like runner beans I don't mind.

[Scarlet]

They'll be good small pumpkin, I've often grown a couple of varieties if someone has given me a few to try and I always save seed for the following year. Always a decent crop

[Scarlet]

I want to harvest the leftover runner Beans that were left on the plants to sow for next year, but do I take them out of the runner now to dry or leave them in longer to dry?

If the weather is wet out and my beans haven't fully dried I bring them in and dry them on the windowsills or somewhere sunny, keep them in their pods. Though it is best to leave on the plant as long as possible if you can.

[Alison]

You definitely need to leave them on the plants until they're fully formed as beans and starting to dry off otherwise they'll just go mouldy. As said above, preferably leave them until they're nice and crispy but you can pick earlier and dry indoors. Do however make sure they're totally dry before you store as any dampness is bad - I find that to test by trying to leave an indent in the seed with my finger nail is a good test. When they're fully dry they'll break your finger nail before you leave a mark