Red Bean Care – Learn How to Grow Red Beans

Red beans are a healthy addition to the family garden. They have antioxidant properties, folic acid, vitamin B6 and magnesium, not to mention a rich source of fibre to lower cholesterol. One cup of kidney beans provides 45% of the recommended daily fibre intake! Rich in protein, red beans and other beans are the mainstay of a vegetarian. They are also a good choice for people with diabetes, hypoglycemia or insulin resistance, as this high fibre content prevents sugar levels from rising too quickly. With all these good things, the only question is how to grow red beans.

How to grow red beans

There are a number of varieties of beans to choose from. Some of them, like Charlevoix, are more prone to viruses and bacteria, so do your research. There are varieties of bushes and vines.

From the same family as black beans, pinto beans and white beans, these large red beans are a staple in most chili recipes. They are only used dry and then cooked because raw beans are poisonous. However, a few minutes of cooking will neutralize the toxins.

Red beans grow best in USDA 4 growing regions and are warmer at temperatures between 65 and 80 F. (18-26 C.) for most of their growing season. They do not transplant well, so it is best to plant them directly in the spring after the last frost date in your area. Don’t plant them too early or the seeds will rot. You can put black plastic to warm the soil.

Plant them in full sun in well-drained soil. Beans do not like to get their «feet» wet. When growing kidney beans, place seeds one inch apart for vine beans and one inch apart for shrub varieties, one inch at 1 ½ below the soil surface. Growing kidney bean seedlings should emerge 10 to 14 days after planting. Keep in mind that the vines will need support or trellis to grow.

Beans should not be grown in the same area more than once every four years. Plants such as corn, squash, strawberries, and cucumbers benefit from planting beans.

Red beans can be grown in containers, but it is preferable to use a bush variety. For each plant, use a 12 cm pot. Keep in mind that it takes 6 to 10 bean plants to provide enough for one person’s use, so repotting, although possible, may be impractical.

Red bean care

The care given to the beans is minimal. The beans produce their own nitrogen, so there is usually no need to fertilize the plants. However, if you feel obligated, make sure you do not use a high nitrogen food. This will only stimulate lush foliage, not bean production.

Keep the area around the beans free of weeds and keep them slightly moist, not wet. A good layer of mulch will help slow down weeds and maintain soil moisture.

Harvest of red beans

Within 100 to 140 days, depending on the variety and region, the harvest of kidney beans should be close. When the pods begin to dry and turn yellow, stop watering the plant. If it is not too wet and you have left a lot of space between the plants, the beans can dry well on the plant. They will be stone-hard and dry.

Otherwise, when the pods are the color of straw and it is time to harvest, remove the entire plant from the ground and hang it upside down inside in a dry place to allow the beans to continue drying. Once the beans are completely healed, you can store them in an airtight container for about a year.