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Snake bean’s – what are they?

If you are anything like me a couple of years ago you would be asking the same question I did. well, they are just like your normal beans but 5 times the size. for us, this crop was an easy choice to grow for a number of reasons. (saying that we had no idea it would produce so much). just on Sunday, I harvested 1/2 a KG of beans and the more I pick the more it grows. These are just some of the reasons why everyone should give these snake beans a go.

• Seeds spouted at 100% rate
• Quick growing
• Suited for a hot sunny spot
• large continues harvesting of the crop
• Taste amazing

Seeds spouted at 100% rate

For use with the heat of 36-40 F in the shade (with shade cloth) and a sun that pumps out anywhere between 10-14.5 UV index (Extreme, I burn just walking to my chicken coop) it’s almost impossible to germinate seeds. unless am doing something so wrong. with the heat they cook, with a greenhouse box they get mould within a day, they dry out too quickly or the sun burns seedlings leaves.
so when we tried these seeds without a problem and with all of them germinating I was over the moon. within a week they emerged up out of the soil and within 3 weeks we had them in the ground (why so long as we got busy)

Quick Growing

When planting we found that if we work on levels you get a much fuller, more aesthetically pleasing, effective and productive garden then just mass planting on ground level with one type of plant. once planted I had to build height for them to grow on. So I thought why not build a quick connecting frame for them to grow up and also provide little shad for the lower level plants. I made. the frame was made out of long large stakes with some twine holding it together. I might look at adding a middle level to the frame to see if I can get some pumpkins to grow up it next.

Suited for hot sunny spots

These beans seem to grow better and quicker the hotter and sunnier the position is. the leaves themselves are dark and hard so they can take the hot high UV of Townsville. it also seems to not stress out when forgetting to water for 2 or 3 days. as these beds are raised they don’t hold onto the water as well if I planted directly into the ground. as our yard is made up of hard aged clay growing directly into the ground does not work well as plants struggle to get a hold.

Large continuous harvesting of the crop

for on Sunday, I harvested around 1/2 KG of beans. these beans can grow up to 80cm long. the longer they grow the more bitter they can become. it is recommended that they get harvested around 30cm as this is the sweet point of a large crop and good tasting plant. also, note that most afternoon we have gone out and gotten a hand full of beans to add to our dinner as well. they recommend 1 plant per person in the family. and I would say that is about spot on. we have 8 plants growing at the moment. and we are loving all the beans. might have to look at giving some away to friends if the harvest is getting too crazy.the harvest is getting to crazy.

Taste amazing

we have found that these beans can be overcooked easy and end mushy. for best results, a quick blanch in hot water is best. making sure you always add the beans right at the end of the cooking of a dish. no one likes mushy beans. we add our beans to stir-fries, salad, stews or anything at all. for prepping the beans for cooking its quite easy. a quick wash, cut the tips (if you want) and you’re ready to go.