Bean Heirloom Soup Mix Blend

Our blend of colorful, tasty, heirloom bush beans specially selected to grow and harvest as a colorful mix from one garden bed. Expect big yields of plump dry beans that taste nutty, creamy and meaty when cooked, much superior to older, tougher store-bought beans. Make delicious, hearty, nutritious soups, stews, chili and casseroles throughout the colder months with just the addition of onion garlic and a few dried herbs. True garden treasure!

Contains: Burgundy Jacob's Cattle, Golden Jacob's Cattle, Yellow Indian Woman, Hidatsa Red Indian Bush Beans

Seed Count: Approx. 66-70 / Weight: 21 g

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

Don’t plant too early; cold conditions prevent good bean germination. In late spring, when nights are securely above 55°F (13°C), sow seeds in well worked, fertile soil in full sun. Poke seeds in 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in rows 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart.

GROWING NOTES

If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away; new seedlings catch up quickly. Bean seedlings are tempting treats to birds; watch carefully and protect with netting if necessary.

HARVEST AND USE

When the beans are hard and smooth inside dry and leathery pods, harvest the whole crop at once, or, if frost or excessive rain threatens, pull entire plants and finish drying in a sheltered spot. Shell out the completely dry beans by hand or put whole pods in a pillowcase and whack it on the ground to “spill the beans” from pods. Put cleaned, shelled beans in freezer for 3 to 4 days to eliminate any insects, then store in glass jars in a cool dry place.

Note: freshly grown dry beans will cook faster than store bought ones. Soak overnight first, then cook up with a bay leaf, garlic and savory herbs.

Cold Winters

May – June