I have a bunch of bush beans that have plumped beyond picking and I want to collect the seeds for next springs planting. I had a bumper crop this year so would like to keep this strain going without buying more seed.
I can't say I've ever done this before and if I have... I forgot.
Do you let the bean pods get all dried out on the vine and then pick the seeds from the pods? or do you collect the overgrown pods while they're green and dry them, then extract the seeds?
JC what I have done is pull the whole plant hang them upside down in the shed till they finish drying then pick the bean pods off shell them and store them in Quart canning jars.I dry my hot Chile peppers this way,too.I even pull my onions tie them in bunches and hang them in the shed to dry.has worked for me doing this
As long as the weather is not overy wet, I've always left them to dry on the plant. This way you're sure that the bean seed is mature. If it's really wet, you need to get them pulled because the seeds will sprout in the pods.
Use it up, wear it out. Make it do, or do without![/b]