I have a small garden and always grow pole beans and eat/freeze them. I pulled up the vines today and there are some dried pods and also some large green pods with big beans inside. Can I let these dry and shell them and use them like any dried bean? They are about the size of a great northern bean, but are not white -- rather a grayish/taupe. I will save some for seed for next year, too. thanks for helping this gardener with her dumb questions.

-- connie in nm (karrelandconnie@msn.com), October 09, 2001

Answers

Connie, I usually let the bean pods dry on the plant then shell them and either save them for planting or for cooking. It is important that they are completely dry or they will mold in storage. Have fun. Oh there are all sizes and colors of dried beans. karen

-- karen in kansas (kansasgoats@iwon.com), October 09, 2001.

Connie, I'm the daughter of two teachers and the sister of one, so I'll repeat the old adage that I've heard constantly all my life, "The only dumb question is the one you don't ask"! Bring on all the questions you want! I know I won't have all the answers, but someone will.

-- Sheryl in ME (radams@sacoriver.net), October 09, 2001.