How Do I Properly Harvest Beans And Peas?

“I’m new to backyard farming and have started growing my own beans and peas in the small garden I set up near my house in Wellington. I’ve got bush beans and snow peas all growing nicely, but I’m not really sure when or how to harvest them. I don’t want to pick them too early and ruin their potential or wait too long and end up with tough, inedible produce. Can you guide me on the best ways to know when they’re ready and how to harvest them properly?” Many thanks, Amanda, Wellington, New Zealand.

How Do I Properly Harvest Beans and Peas?

Harvesting beans and peas at the right time is key to getting the most out of your backyard garden. Amanda, it’s great that your bush beans and snow peas are growing well! The process of harvesting these crops might seem a bit daunting the first time, but once you’ve done it a few times, it’ll become second nature. Here, we’ll break down the how-tos, indicators of readiness, best tools to use, and tips to avoid common mistakes.

Understanding the Life Cycle: The First Step to Proper Harvesting

Knowing the life cycle of beans and peas will help you determine when to harvest. Both plants go through similar stages:

• Germination: Seeds sprout and grow into seedlings.
• Vegetative Growth: The seedlings develop leaves and vines.
• Flowering: Flowers appear, which eventually turn into bean or pea pods.
• Pod Development: Pods grow and mature on the plant. This is the stage to monitor closely for harvesting.

The key to a good harvest is timing. Harvesting too early can result in underdeveloped, flavorless pods, while waiting too long may leave you with tough, starchy beans and peas. Let’s break it down for each type, Amanda.

The Right Time to Harvest Bush Beans

Bush beans are pretty straightforward. You’ll know the pods are ready for picking when they reach their full-size but are still tender to the touch. Depending on the variety, bush beans are usually ready about 45-60 days after planting. Here are some signs that your bush beans in Wellington are ready for harvest:

• Color: The pods should be a bright, uniform green (or their respective color depending on the variety).
• Size: Pods should reach about 4-6 inches long, though this can slightly vary based on the specific type of bush bean.
• Texture: To test readiness, gently press the pod. If it feels firm but not tough, it’s time to harvest.
• Seeds: If the seeds inside the pods are just starting to swell and the pod doesn’t look too lumpy, they are ideal for picking.

Amanda, don’t wait too long once you start seeing these signs. If the pods begin to bulge because the seeds inside are growing larger, the beans will be tougher and less appetizing.

The Right Time to Harvest Snow Peas

Snow peas are harvested differently from bush beans because the focus here is on the pod itself rather than the seeds. Snow peas are best when the pods are young and tender, typically 10-14 days after flowering. Here are the signs to look out for:

• Color: The pods should be a bright green.
• Size: Snow peas are usually ready when they’re 2-3 inches long.
• Thickness: The pods should be flat or only slightly round without any pronounced bulging from the seeds.
• Texture: Gently pressing the pod to check for slight firmness can also be an indicator that they’re ready for picking.

If you wait too long, Amanda, the pods will start to thicken and may become stringy or tough. It’s better to err on the side of harvesting too early rather than too late with snow peas.

Harvesting Techniques

Now that you know roughly when to harvest, let’s move on to how to actually get those beans and peas from plant to plate.

Hand Harvesting

The simplest way to harvest is by hand. Hand-picking is the most gentle and selective method, which reduces the chance of damaging your plants. Here’s how to do it:

1. Hold the Vine Steady: Grab the vine with one hand to support the plant. This prevents you from pulling up or damaging the plant while picking.
2. Pinch and Snap: For bush beans, gently pinch and snap the pod off at the stem using your thumb and forefinger. Snow peas usually detach easily with a quick snap as well.
3. Be Selective: Only pick the pods that fit the readiness criteria outlined above. Leave any smaller or immature pods on the plant.

Using Garden Shears

If you have a larger crop or want a cleaner harvest, garden shears can be a good choice. Here’s how to use them correctly:

1. Sanitize the Shears: First, sanitize your shears with a mixture of water and bleach (about 1 part bleach to 9 parts water). This helps prevent spreading any diseases between plants.
2. Cut Above the Pod: Position your shears just above the pod and make a clean cut. For bush beans, cut close to the stem that attaches the pod. With snow peas, make sure to leave a bit of the stem attached to the pod.
3. Minimize Cuts: Try to cut as few times as possible on each stem. More cuts mean more open wounds for your plant, leading to potential disease issues.

Amanda, if you’re harvesting large quantities, or if the plants are dense, shears can save time and spare your hands quite a bit of stress.

What to Do After Harvesting

Good news! Your job isn’t over the moment you pick the pods. Proper post-harvest care is essential to maximizing the taste and shelf life of your beans and peas.

Immediate Handling and Storage

After picking, immediately move your beans and peas out of the sun. High temperatures can quickly degrade the quality and nutrients in your produce, transforming it from fresh to mushy or wilted.

• Short-Term Storage: For bush beans, rinse them in cool water, pat them dry, and store them inside a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. For snow peas, simply place them in the fridge unwashed in a breathable container. They’ll usually last for up to a week.
• Long-Term Storage: If you have more beans and peas than you can use within a week, blanching and freezing might be your next best step. Blanch the beans or peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, plunge them into ice water, and then freeze them in airtight bags or containers.

Composting Plant Waste

As you harvest, there might be some extraneous plant material like stems, leaves, or damaged pods. Rather than disposing of these, consider adding them to your compost pile. They will break down, providing a nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Just avoid composting any plant material infected with disease.

Troubleshooting Common Harvesting Issues

Even with the best care, Amanda, you may encounter some challenges. Knowing what to look for can help you troubleshoot these issues and keep your harvest as bountiful as possible.

Overripe Pods

If you miss the optimal harvesting window and the pods become overripe, it’s okay! You can still use the beans or peas, but they might be better suited for soups or stews, where their tougher texture gets softened during cooking. Additionally, overripe beans can be saved as seed for next year’s planting, or dried for use in bean dishes like baking or chilies.

Undeveloped Pods

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, some pods may be small, underdeveloped, or stunted. This could be due to uneven watering, poor soil conditions, or a nutrient deficiency. Keeping a close eye on your soil’s moisture and fertility can go a long way in preventing this issue. Make sure you’re practicing crop rotation and maybe even add compost or organic fertilizers to keep the soil rich and balanced.

Special Considerations for Different Varieties

Not all beans and peas are created equal, Amanda. Depending on the variety, there may be slight adjustments needed in your harvesting techniques.

Pole Beans

If you decide to branch out beyond bush beans and start growing pole beans, be aware that they require more time to mature, usually about 60-70 days after planting. Pole beans grow in clusters on vines, so you’ll find that you might need a ladder or step stool to reach the higher pods. Their pods might be longer and thinner, and the same readiness factors apply: look for firm pods, bright color, and no excessive swelling.

Sugar Snap Peas

Another popular pea variety is the sugar snap pea, which is a cross between snow peas and garden peas. Sugar snap peas should be harvested when the pods are plump but still tender, similar to snow peas, but allowing the peas inside to develop more fully. Like snow peas, sugar snap peas are ideal when pods are crisp and snap easily when bent.

Dry Beans

If you happen to be growing beans meant for drying, like black beans or cannellini beans, the harvesting approach changes a bit. Let these beans stay on the plant until the pods become dry and brittle. You’ll know they’re ready if, when shaken, you hear the beans rattling around inside the pods. After harvesting, remove the seeds from the pods and dry them further if needed before storage.

Additional Tips for Healthier, Productive Plants

Maintaining the health of your plants through the growing season is crucial for a successful harvest. Here are some advanced tips to keep your plants thriving, Amanda:

• Regular Picking Encourages Growth: The more you harvest, the more the plant will produce. So once you start picking, make it a frequent task to encourage ongoing production throughout the season.
• Avoid Watering Over the Leaves: Water at the base of the plant instead. Wet leaves can lead to fungal issues such as powdery mildew that can impede plant growth and reduce yield.
• Mulch for Moisture Retention: Adding a layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture and reduce the number of weeds competing for nutrients.
• Consider Companion Planting: Some plants benefit from having good neighbors. For instance, growing beans alongside marigolds can deter harmful pests, while peas can benefit from nearby spinach or lettuce growing, as they help retain soil moisture.

Final Thoughts…

Amanda, thanks for your great question! Harvesting beans and peas is all about timing and technique, and I hope this guide provides you with the confidence to pick your pods at just the right moment for the crunchiest, most flavorful produce. Remember to enjoy the process and learn from each harvest, as gardening is still an art as much as it is a science. Happy harvesting in Wellington!