Growing dry beans screams “food security” to me—and I’m here for it! Over the years, I’ve expanded my repertoire from kidney beans for chili to black beans for everything imaginable, and pinto beans for homemade refried beans.
Beans are versatile, nutritious, and a staple in a self-sufficient kitchen. With a little care, you can grow your own abundant harvest every year.
Dry Beans I Grow
- Kidney Beans
- Black Beans
- Pinto Beans
Favorite seed sources:
Why Grow Dry Beans?
Dry beans are more than just tasty—they’re long-lasting, versatile, and a cornerstone of food security.
- Watch this video to learn why growing beans is so important: [Insert Video Link Here]
- Watch this one to dive deeper into my bean-growing methods: [Insert Video Link Here]
Growing & Maintaining Dry Beans
Here’s a quick overview of how I grow beans in my garden:
- Plant heirloom seeds in long rows with enough spacing for airflow.
- Most beans are bush types, so they don’t need trellises—but I like to support plants off the ground to reduce mold risk.
- Ensure they get plenty of sun and air circulation.
💡 Hint: Airflow is critical—beans that stay damp or too crowded can develop problems.
Harvesting Dry Beans
- Watch for fully formed seeds in the pods and the natural die-back of leaves as a harvesting signal.
- Weather matters—if rain is coming, you may need to harvest a little early.
- Beans can be dried on the plant, on ropes, hog panels, or even indoors if necessary.
💡 Tip: Full drying is key for long-term storage.
Preserving Your Dry Beans
- Shell beans once fully dry. This can be a messy but fun process—perfect for doing with family while watching a movie!
- Dry beans thoroughly before storing in jars or buckets to prevent mold.
- My favorite preservation method: pressure canning.
- Quick, convenient, and ready-to-use for recipes like black bean burritos, chili, or refried beans.
- I use the All American Pressure Canner (up to 14 quarts at a time).
💡 Pro Tip: You don’t need to soak or cook them immediately—pressure canning saves time and keeps beans ready for recipes.
Learn More
Want full step-by-step guidance, with all my tips and tricks for growing, harvesting, and preserving dry beans (and dozens of other crops) by subscribing to my You Tube channel.
🎥 Watch my bean-growing videos: All about Dry Beans Full Video
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👉 Grab your copy of my book Seed to Plate to start growing your own bountiful, nourishing harvests
