I have a funny history with green beans. Back in Alaska, I tried and tried to grow them, with hilariously bad (or rather, non-existent) results. Here in Eugene, they grow like weeds. Our first year I planted an 8-foot row of pole beans and consequently became a slave to my bean row for two full months. Since then I have tried to be more moderate with my plantings, but somehow I just never seem to get it right– it’s either boom or bust.
This year is mostly bust. The snails (I assume it was them) decimated three separate plantings! And I only ended up with two surviving plants! But those two have been pretty productive, thank goodness.
There are a few tricks to picking green beans, and I thought I would share. The most important thing is to pick at least every other day, so that you can get them at the perfect stage.
The next most important thing is to pick all the beans. Even if they are too far gone and you aren’t going to eat them. Because once the plant is able to successfully ripen seed, it thinks it’s job on Earth is done.
Last tip for today is to pick two handed. One hand holds the stem, the other pulls the bean off. Picking one handed often rips the plant up. Be gentle and vigilant, and your bean plants will continue to supply your kitchen with tasty tender pods for much longer.
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