How to grow black beans effectively and why.
Before we move onto the ‘How to grow black beans’ let’s look at the ‘Why’.
Why to grow black beans
Black beans otherwise known as turtle beans are relatively easy to grow provided they receives plenty of sunlight. Another advantage is they a fairly resistant to disease. Black beans grow around the world in the warmer climates and a staple diet in central and South America. Once mature they are hardy and produce plenty of harvest from only one plant. Once the bean is harvested and dried it and can be placed in a jar and will keep for 2 to 3 years. There’s a variety of ways to cook black beans, and they can be eaten raw. Making them a versatile and long lasting food source for when emergencies arise.
Health Benefits
The health benefits of turtle bean are numerous. With the plentiful amount of calcium, iron and magnesium it’s perfect for maintaining healthy bones. Due to the low sodium levels it helps keep blood pressure and normal levels as described by Medical News Today. A little known mineral called selenium is present in black beans unlike many other vegetables helps to detoxify cancer causing compounds.
Nutritional Value
Two main nutritional benefits of black beans is it’s high protein and fiber levels. At 15 grams per cup of protein makes it a good source of protein when meat is scarce. It’s high fiber content also keep you full of beans for hours (pardon the pun), unlike processed energy which runs dissipates very quickly.
Hot to grow black beans
To make sure you succeed with plant and harvesting a good crop there are some things to consider before planting black beans. Two main factors for a successful harvest is plenty of sunlight and to keep the soil moist.
The best time to begin planting black beans is the beginning of Spring. Before planting the seeds decide what your configuration will be. Either plant in a straight line or in a circle configuration with the poles arranged and erected similar to a teepee. I’ll briefly explain each here.
If you have long rows of space then use pole or bamboo(any material is fine) and erect along this line where you will plant the black bean. I prefer this configuration, it makes harvesting a little easier. Make sure your pole are at lease 6 feet tall. Another variation to this is to use 2 poles buried deep in ground and use a sting line from the first to the second one. As the black beans grow tie them to the string as they grow in height.
Otherwise if your limited for space then use the teepee design. This also works great so don’t despair if you have a small or irregular space.
Make sure where you plant you beans they will receive a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight. Also ensure the soil is well fertilized, some liquid seaweed also works great.
Sow the bean direct into the soil about 1.5 to 2 inches deep and 8 to 12 inches apart. Black bean don’t do too well with transplanting them from pots to the soil. So I would recommend plant direct into the soil. If you are transplanting be extra careful not to disturb the roots too much.
Keep in mind they are fast growing so water them daily and tie them to the rope or pole as they grow. If you want to keep your black beans at the height of the pole or structure clip the bean at the top this will force growth down below. Once the black bean pod turns a dark purple color it is ready to be harvested. If you open the pod and the bean is purple you picked them a little early. The bean should be black.
Continue to harvest as they beans are ready and your plant will continue to produce for many weeks.
Main points to remember
- Plant in moist and well fertilized soil
- At least 6 hours of sunlight a day
- Water daily
- Cut the tops when they reach the height of the pole
- Harvest when the pod turns purple
Note: Supermarket bought beans can be used to plant.
Final thoughts
I hope this article has given you good reason to start planting black beans today, or next spring. They are an excellent nutritional plant, easy to plant especially in warm climates and if jarred and stored correctly can be eaten years later.
Our readers would love to hear your experiences in planting black beans.
