Growing beans
Beans are an important plant family if you are interested in self-catering. They provide a lot of food for the space they take up. Beans and leaves can also be a decorative element on the patio or in the garden.
Different types of beans
In Sweden but also other countries there are a wide variety of beans. Varieties that thrive in climate can give a bountiful harvest. The parts of the plant that you don’t eat are excellent green manure. Here are examples of beans commonly grown in Sweden:
- Brown beans – The most commonly grown bean in our country. It can give a very large harvest.
- White beans – Hardy and richly flavoured variety.
- Kidney beans – Red, kidney-shaped beans that are good in stews.
- Black beans – Versatile bean that is the main staple food in many countries.
- Borlotti beans – Reddish-brown bean with white spots, the texture is creamy. Considered a delicacy in Italy.
- Broad bean – Large bean that can be boiled or fried.
- Haricots verts – Green bean usually eaten fresh.
- Soya beans – Protein-rich bean that has been difficult to grow in Sweden but there are new varieties that are better suited.
- Broad bean – Climbing variety, produces tasty beans but is also grown as an ornamental.
Split peas are grown in the same way as beans but have softer seeds and are often eaten fresh.
How to succeed in growing beans
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil when growing beans. Feel free to increase the topsoil content by mixing in organic matter. Compost, manure and grass clippings also provide much-needed nutrients. Because beans grow so quickly, they need more nutrients than many other garden plants. Use fertiliser with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Beans also need a lot of water. If it is dry, you need to water the beans regularly. Beans can be planted in early spring when the soil has thawed and the temperature is at least 5 degrees. 5 cm deep and 10-15 cm between each bean is fine. It depends on the variety.
Beans can also be grown in pots or hydroponically. Be aware of possible pest infestations. Especially if you grow beans in the same place for several years, you may have problems with bean flies and black rot.
Climbing support for beans
Beans have slender stems and can grow tall, so they need something to support themselves on. This is especially true in windy conditions. Climbing supports for beans can be constructed in many ways. There are also ready-made supports available in the trade. Some beans, such as the broad bean, have a bushy growth habit and do not need supports.
Harvesting beans
Harvest the beans in time. Beans are ripe when the pods feel full and springy. Beans can be stored for a very long time in the freezer. At room temperature they will keep for about a year.
Nutritional value of beans
There are many different types of beans with different nutritional compositions. In general, beans are rich in vitamins, protein and minerals. They are very low in fat.
How to cook beans
By pre-cooking beans, you get rid of substances that irritate the stomach. Dried beans can have quite a long cooking time. If you cook beans often, using a pressure cooker will save energy and shorten cooking time.
Growing beans is environmentally friendly
Many beans have a symbiotic relationship with a type of bacteria called nodule bacteria. The bacteria help them take up nitrogen in the air and carry it back to the soil. Protein from beans is also much better than animal protein, if we look at what is good for the environment.
Author: Johanna Damm
Fact-checked by Erik Hoekstra
Last updated 2022-12-28