What's The Best Way To Save Runner Beans Seeds For Next Year?

[max_wood 161]

Hi i want to collect beans for next years plants.i was given the ones i have as small plants. is it best to pick them and remove the beans and dry them or let them dry out on the plant?thankyou

[terryd 8,722]

I think it is best to let them dry on the plant as long as you can then get them in to finish drying.

This is from the realseeds web site

 

To collect the seeds, allow the pods to mature fully on the plant until they start to yellow and dry out. In wet weather, collect the pods individually as they get to this stage. Then spread out somewhere out of the rain with a good airflow until the pods are fully dry and brittle. Once they are dry, shell out the beans and dry further out of the pods. The beans should be dry enough that they break when you bite on them, rather than leaving a dent. Store in an airtight container. If they are well dried, and stored in a cool dark place, the beans will last around 3 years.

If you have problems with weevils eating your seeds, put the sealed container in the freezer for a week immediately after drying the beans; this will kill any insect eggs before they hatch. When you take them out, let the container come up to room temperature before opening it, otherwise the beans will absorb moisture from the air.

Edited September 20, 2015 by terryd

[max_wood 161]

Ok thanks i just didn't want to leave them and they go rotten and be left without any.thanks a lot

[jok 3,392]

Let the pods go yellow. The beans will then be ready. Just pop them out and store in a plastic container in a dry place for the remainder of the year. Remember at school when we used to shove 2 beans down the side of a jam jar packed with sawdust surrounded by tissue. Well that still is a good way to start off your plants.

[jok 3,392]

Should have said. The bean that I've had for the last 3 years is Polestar. Beauty of it is little or no string. Just got a bagful of Enorma from a friend and they are not stringless. Might be worth having a word with your mates.

[max_wood 161]

Thanks for the advice chaps that's great

[jok 3,392]

Just taking the beans for.next year (polestar). How many plants do you think about growing?

[terryd 8,722]

I am guessing but 30 or 40 gives a fair few

[max_wood 161]

I ended up with about 10 and that was enough for my family really. Going to try a few different bits and pieces next year .

[jok 3,392]

If you'd like me to keep you some and send them in the spring just say the word. PM with details.

[jok 3,392]

Keeping loads anyway.

[max_wood 161]

That's really kind of you thankyou.i am starting a new veg patch for next year, i have moved my chicken pen and am going to rotovate the old pen and cover it with plastic till the spring.hopefully the chicken have fed the ground. I grew by beans in pots.i managed beans courgettes toms and sprouts.