String Beans

When I was looking for information on String Beans, also known as Asparagus Beans, I found that articles interchangeably use the term "string beans " with "green beans", but they are different plant. This plant is of a different genus than the common bean. It is a vigorous climbing annual vine. A variety of the cowpea, it is grown primarily for its strikingly long (35-75 cm) immature pods and has uses very similar to that of the green bean. The pods, which begin to form just 60 days after sowing, hang in pairs. They are best for vegetable use if picked before they reach full maturity.

I love string beans. I add them in my stir fries and soup. The crisp, tender pods are eaten both fresh and cooked. They are at their best when young and slender. They are very easy to grow, however, from my experience its #1 enemy are aphids. In my case, I got a good harvest, the aphids came and almost took over the fruits around the end of Fall season, around the time when it has stopped producing vigorously anyway.

When to plant. Direct seed planting in May when temperature is above 65 F.

How to plant. Along a trellis, sow seeds when soil is warm. Soaking seeds overnight in warm water is an option. When I planted mine, I did it without soaking. Thin when plants are a few inches tall.

Light	Full sun
Seed Depth	1 – 1 1/2 in
Spacing Row/plant	30 in /6 in
Days to germinate	15-21
Days to harvest	67
Preserve by	Freezing & canning

Harvest. Pick early and often to encourage production. When you can feel/see the bump of seeds from the pod and the fruit has turned slightly light green with a hint of yellowish, that means the fruit is already mature. Let the fruit mature if you want to keep seeds for future planting.

Health Benefits. They are a good source of protein, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, iron, phosphorus, and potassium, and a very good source for vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and manganese.


(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigna_unguiculata_subsp._sesquipedalis)