Lecture by Alan Chadwick in New Market, Virginia, 1979
Lecture 21.4, Plant Study: The Bean Family, Part 3
An Introduction to Alan Chadwick's Lectures and a Glossary of Terms
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The timing of the harvesting is critical for best results and quality. The plants are adversely affected by temperatures below 50F, so sow accordingly. Cook lightly for best flavor. Use rich old soils. Intercropping with other vegetables, especially cos lettuce. The beans appreciate cultivation during growth. Top dress with good loam soil with manure or compost twice during the season. Likes plenty of water, except when the blossoms are forming. Cold water, especially at night, is disastrous to the growth of beans. Varieties are suitable for early, mid season, and late cultivation. Harvest carefully so not to damage the plants. Some of the best beans are the tough-podded varieties. Wait until the beans are full but still green, then pull up the whole plant and hang it up to dry. These make a delicious and very tender bean that only needs to soak in water for ten minutes before frying in oil. This tastes like a fresh green bean. Questions and answers. The scarlet runner bean should be harvested before the beans begin to appear as indentations on the smooth pods. (22:20)