"Self-sufficiency does not mean 'going back' to the acceptance of a lower standard of living. On the contrary, it is the striving for a higher standard of living, for food that is organically grown and good, for the good life in pleasant surroundings... and for the satisfaction that comes from doing difficult and intricate jobs well and successfully." John Seymour ~ Self Sufficiency 2003

Saturday, 3 December 2011

Colourful beans

This is my first year growing anything but green beans.

Linda, from Sought-After-Seedlings in Johannesburg supplies South Africa with Franchi Sementi seeds.  Browsing through her web page in anticipation of what I was going to plant this Spring, I came across Climbing Neckargold, a brilliant yellow bean...
And, scrolling further I came across the Dwarf Purple King
I am entranced with the purple flowers and stem on these plants.  I can't wait for some beans to grow - and grow big enough for me to harvest.  I am sort of sad that they turn green when they are cooked - it might have been nice to see purple beans on my dinner plate :)

What are your favourite beans in your existing or planned vegetable patch?

I regret not having been adventurous enough to purchase the Dwarf Borlotti beans too.  Ah well, something to try next year :)
Posted by Dani at 08:54:00
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9 comments:

  1. Astra3 December 2011 at 14:41

    We tend to stick to broad beans and french dwarfs, they grow so well here and always give a bumper crop! I think when we have the space I'd like to try some rare varieties and some for drying too.

    On a different note - I've given you the Liebster Award, check it out on my blog! I've given it to you because I find your blog so inspiring, your move to the farm and the little things you do at home to stay eco friendly, Thank you for all your lovely comments too, they mean so much :)

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  2. Sue3 December 2011 at 15:03

    We're such dull dull people. I grow just the basic green bush beans.....Blue Lake is the favorite. I'd like to do more with dried beans but haven't gotten to that point yet.

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  3. Humble wife3 December 2011 at 16:18

    I love eating the green bean off the vine. It does not matter what kind it is, green beans are for snacking on while I garden!

    I prefer the Anasazi bean the best and second is the pinto. Both grow extremely well in the desert southwest of the US. All other beans I have to spoil-which I do...


    by the way- I love the purple stem too. How lovely and festive for the garden!!

    Jennifer

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  4. Dani3 December 2011 at 17:13

    Astra - Wow - thank you so much for the compliment(s) :)

    I, too, hope to dry some beans from this season's harvest.

    Sue - I only found out about different coloured beans this year. I'm thrilled :)

    Jennifer - Fresh from the garden is top in my book. Haven't heard of the Anasazi bean... 'scuse me, I'm off to investigate... :)

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  5. johnnyb3 December 2011 at 17:29

    Blue lake and Kentucky wonder seems to work for us. We have tried others, but always go back to the old favorites.

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  6. Mr. H.3 December 2011 at 18:35

    I like those purple beans, we grow a similar variety. You have piqued my interest with those Borlotti beans...we are starting to favour the dwarf varieties in our garden. Also that Neckargold looks interesting, I have not come across many yellow colored climbing beans. Can't wait to see how your beans do.

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  7. Dani3 December 2011 at 21:04

    John - Blue Lake and Kentucky - more beans to investigate LOL Thanks :)

    Mr H - I'll definitely let you know :)

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  8. RobynLouise5 December 2011 at 00:22

    I used to grow regular Purple King beans when the eldest 2 children were little. They loved eating them raw. I should grow them again as they are good freezing beans too.
    Chers,
    Robyn

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  9. Dani5 December 2011 at 08:51

    Robyn - I can't wait to try them raw :) I'm amazed at the vegetables out there which aren't available in the store. Am so pleased I can grow my own :)

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Thank you for taking the time to comment - it makes my day and removes the "loneliness' of sitting at my screen blogging supposedly to myself ;) I try and reply as quickly as possible so please forgive me if sometimes my response is delayed.

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