How to Dry Green Bean Seeds
Saving garden seeds for next year's planting saves money and keeps heirloom vegetable varieties around. Beans are one of the simplest seeds to form due to their larger size and the fact they come neatly packaged in a pod. Green beans, sometimes referred to as snap beans, are no exception to this. There are may varieties and most are non-hybrid. Hybrid seeds can't be saved as they are either sterile or won't produce a plant true to seed. Non-hybrid, open pollinated varieties are necessary. Check the seed envelope before purchasing to ensure your beans are non-hybrid. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Allow ten or more beans to mature fully on the plant, as green beans are normally picked before maturity. Wait for the beans to begin bulging in the pod and for the pod to begin to dry.
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Pick pods once the beans rattle inside but before the pod splits open. Alternately, pull up the entire plant and bring it into a shaded, dry area.
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Leave the pods or the plant to dry for two weeks. Place them where they won't be eaten by mice or other pests.
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Split open the pods and remove the beans once the drying time is over. Place the shelled beans into a jar or envelope.
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Store beans in a cool, dry place away from pests. Storing in a refrigerator increases storage time and helps ensure germination rates.
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Tips & Warnings
Place silica gel packet, available at florists, in the jar with the beans to absorb any excess moisture. Powdered milk can be substituted for the silica.
Label the jar or envelope with the bean variety and harvest year.
Beans can also be stored in the pod. Shell them when you are ready to plant them in spring.
Check seeds for moisture occasionally. Any moisture on stored beans will quickly cause them to rot.
Pull up plants and bring indoors if rain threatens after the seeds are almost ready for picking. Rain near maturity may lead to rotting otherwise.
