Beansy the Coolbean

Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris

Description: I am quite possibly the tastiest meal that you can grow. Plant me in a sunny spot and I will grow some of the prettiest white flowers you have ever seen. My flowers turn into plump, round, tender dark green beans that are best when they are 7-8 inches long. For best flavor pick early in the morning after the leaves are dry. If you keep picking my beans all season long I will keep producing until frost comes. I love to climb so plant in rows along a fence, or give me a pole, string or build me a teepee to grow on.

Chef Jeff's Tips: This traditional crop loves plenty of water in hot weather. There are several types, snap, bush and pole. Bush beans make an attractive border to any garden. Place along the edge of fences or place teepees around them to give them something to grab on to and grow upwards. They produce particularly large yields that are perfect fresh, frozen or canned. The best tip for beans, is pick early and pick often. As the larger pods are removed, several new ones appear to replace them quickly. We recommend 5-6 plants per person for the average family.