Beans

Beans

At Urban Farmer we supply several bean varieties that work for gardeners to small farm market growers. We trial all bean varieties and select only the best-tasting, most attractive, and best producing bean plants. Choose from bush beans, pole beans, lima beans, runner beans, shelling beans and stringless beans. Beans come in a variety of maturity dates, colors, shapes, sizes and taste!

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How to Grow Beans

The French horticultural shell bean, also known as "Haricot Tarbais," is a classic heirloom variety renowned for its exceptional flavor and versatility in culinary applications. Originating in the Tarbes region of France, this bean has a rich historical significance in French cuisine. Its taste profile is a harmonious blend of nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet notes, making it a sought-after choice for gourmet dishes. This bean is classified as a pole bean, meaning it grows as a climbing vine that requires support. The pods of the French horticultural shell bean are medium-sized, typically reaching 4-6 inches in length, and they display a stunning mottled appearance with a creamy background and reddish streaks. The plant itself can attain a height of 8-10 feet, and it generally takes around 70-80 days to reach maturity from planting. In terms of disease resistance, the French horticultural shell bean exhibits decent resistance to common bean diseases like rust and mildew, although it's advisable to monitor and manage pests as needed. Under ideal growing conditions, this variety can yield approximately 1500-2000 pounds of beans per acre. Proper spacing is crucial for optimal growth; ensure that plants are spaced about 6-8 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart. These beans thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure and benefit from regular watering to maintain consistent moisture levels throughout the growing season. With its outstanding flavor and culinary versatility, the French horticultural shell bean is a delightful addition to any garden or kitchen.

Jameson Bean is a popular and versatile variety of bean known for its exceptional taste and rich history. These beans are classified as a bush bean, which means they grow in a compact, bushy fashion without the need for support structures. Jameson Beans are typically small to medium-sized, oval-shaped, and boast a creamy texture with a slightly nutty and earthy flavor profile. They are a beloved choice for both fresh consumption and canning due to their outstanding taste. With a historical background dating back decades, Jameson Beans have been a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers alike. They have a relatively short maturity period, typically taking around 50 to 55 days to reach full maturity from the time of planting. The beans themselves are often a vibrant green color, making them visually appealing in a variety of dishes. In terms of growing characteristics, Jameson Beans exhibit good disease resistance, particularly against common bean diseases such as rust and bean common mosaic virus. The yield per row can vary depending on factors such as soil quality and care, but they tend to be productive plants, providing a substantial harvest. It is recommended to space the plants about 2-4 inches apart in rows that are approximately 18-24 inches apart. These beans thrive in well-drained soil and require full sun for optimal growth, making them a reliable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Envy is an early harvesting edamame for shorter growing seasons. Envy produces erect bush bean plants that reach about two feet in height and produce pods each containing two to three green seeds. Edamame is a popular snack in Japan, served with beer. Due to its health benefits that other snacks do not provide, it is becoming popular in the United States.

The Light Red Kidney Bean is a popular kidney bean that has mild bean flavor! Excellent for chili, bean salads, and soups. Exceptional culinary quality, with silky texture and thin skin.  Plants grow to medium size that are sturdy and widely adapted. Produce well anywhere in the United States.

Greencrop beans are a classic heirloom variety renowned for their distinctive features and reliable performance. Originating in the early 20th century, this variety has been favored by gardeners for its robust growth and high productivity. Greencrop beans are characterized by their striking green color, smooth texture, and uniform shape. The plants are typically bush-type, reaching a height of about 18 to 24 inches, which makes them suitable for smaller garden spaces and easier to manage without extensive staking. The beans themselves are known for their crisp and tender texture, combined with a mildly sweet and fresh flavor that enhances a variety of dishes. Harvesting is best done when the pods are young and firm, usually in mid to late summer, to ensure optimal taste and texture. Greencrop beans are valued for their high yield and resistance to common diseases, making them a dependable choice for both home gardeners and market growers. With their appealing flavor, compact growth habit, and consistent performance, Greencrop beans remain a popular and practical selection for vegetable gardens.

Cherokee Wax beans, also known as Cherokee Yellow Wax beans, are a popular variety of bush beans cherished for their vibrant appearance and delicious flavor. These beans are believed to have originated from the Native American Cherokee tribe, hence their name. Cherokee Wax beans are a warm-season vegetable that thrives in various climates, making them a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers alike. Cherokee Wax beans are known for their exceptional taste, boasting a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a tender and crisp texture. They are a type of bush bean, which means they grow as compact, bushy plants that don't require support structures. The pods of Cherokee Wax beans typically measure around 5 to 6 inches in length and have a bright yellow color. These beans have a relatively short time to maturity, usually taking about 50-55 days from planting to harvest. They are highly productive, yielding an impressive quantity of beans per 10-foot row. In terms of growing conditions, Cherokee Wax beans thrive in well-draining soil that receives full sun exposure. They require spacing of about 3-4 inches between plants and should be sown in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. Cherokee Wax beans are generally disease-resistant, with some varieties exhibiting resistance to common bean diseases like rust and mosaic virus. With proper care and regular harvesting, these beans can provide a bountiful and delicious addition to your garden or dinner table.

Our soup blend allows you to grow your own delicious bean soup. Our "Bean Soup" seed blend is equal blends of Vermont Cranberry Shell, Blackeye #5, Light Red Kidney, Dark Red Kidney, Pinto and Navy bean seeds. This combination creates a rich and creamy bean soup that is a delight to eat!

The great northern bean is an heirloom bean variety that is perfect for drying and using in different baked dishes. Semi-vining, 24 inch plants yield a prolific quantity of flat, 5 inch pods holding 5 to 6, large white beans.

The Burpee Improved Bush Lime bean plants produce large pods, high yields, and perfectly shaped beans. Burpee Improved beans are both larger and thicker than normal lima beans. The growth is even more vigorous, with heavier foliage. The plants are uniformly upright.

The Mardi Gras Blend is almost too pretty to eat! These fun bright yellow and purple semi flat bean pods are a favorite among home chefs. The Mardi Gras Blend sets a heavy crop of delicious nutty beans. These organic heirlooms are a fun way to get beneficial nutrients.

Contender beans, scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris 'Contender,' are a popular variety of green snap beans that have a rich history and are prized by gardeners for their excellent flavor and productivity. Originating from the United States, Contender beans have been a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers for many decades. This heirloom variety was first introduced in the 1940s and has since become a classic choice for those looking to cultivate delicious and reliable green beans. Contender beans typically produce uniform, straight pods that range in size from 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 cm) in length. The pods are slender and tender, making them ideal for fresh consumption, canning, or freezing. The plants themselves are compact and bushy, reaching a height of about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm), which makes them well-suited for smaller garden spaces or container gardening. In terms of maturity, Contender beans are known for their relatively quick growth. They typically reach maturity in approximately 50 to 55 days after planting. These beans thrive in full sun and well-drained soil with good organic matter content. They are relatively easy to grow and require regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture. Contender beans are a favorite among gardeners for their reliability, versatility, and the delectable taste of their tender green pods.

Fordhook 242 beans are a popular variety of lima beans known for their smooth texture and rich, buttery flavor. These beans are characterized by their large, flat, greenish seeds that mature to a creamy, pale yellow when harvested. The Fordhook 242 variety is prized for its resilience and productivity, thriving in both home gardens and larger agricultural settings. With a growing season of about 70 to 80 days, these beans are often used in a wide range of culinary dishes, from soups and stews to side dishes and casseroles. Their versatility, coupled with their excellent taste, makes them a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike.

Blue Lake 274 is a popular variety of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) known for its exceptional taste and reliable performance in home gardens and commercial agriculture. This cultivar has a rich history, tracing its origins back to the Blue Lake region in California. Blue Lake 274 beans are beloved for their tender, crisp texture and sweet, earthy flavor, making them a favorite among gardeners and consumers alike. The Blue Lake 274 bean plant typically grows to a height of 18 to 24 inches, with a bushy, compact habit that makes it suitable for both garden beds and containers. It is classified as a bush bean, which means it doesn't require trellising or support structures. This variety is known for its relatively quick maturity, typically taking about 55 to 60 days from planting to harvest. The pods of Blue Lake 274 are long and slender, usually reaching a length of 6 to 7 inches. They are a vibrant green color and are prized for their straightness and uniformity. Blue Lake 274 beans exhibit resistance to common bean diseases such as bean mosaic virus and bean common mosaic virus, which contributes to their reliability and yield consistency. Speaking of yield, you can expect a bountiful harvest from this variety, with each row typically producing around 8 to 10 pounds of beans. For optimal growth, Blue Lake 274 beans thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.8. Plant them in rows with spacing of approximately 18 to 24 inches between plants. They require full sun exposure for at least 6 to 8 hours a day and should be watered consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. With the right care and conditions, Blue Lake 274 beans are sure to provide a delicious and productive addition to your garden.

Provider beans are a popular bush bean variety that has garnered attention for its reliable performance and ease of cultivation. Developed in the United States, Provider beans have a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century, when they were bred for both home gardens and commercial production. These beans are characterized by their compact growth habit, typically reaching about 18 to 24 inches in height, which makes them perfect for small spaces and easy to manage without staking. The pods are smooth and a vibrant green color, generally growing to about 5 to 6 inches long. Known for their excellent flavor and crisp texture, Provider beans are ideal for fresh eating, canning, or freezing. Harvesting is best done when the pods are young and firm, usually in mid to late summer, ensuring the best taste and quality. The plants are vigorous and produce high yields, demonstrating good resistance to common diseases. With their dependable growth, delightful flavor, and adaptability, Provider beans remain a favorite choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

The Black Turtle Soup bean is very popular Latin favorite, that is also great in Cajun and Creole dishes. A tasty variety that grows upright with black beans inside the pod. Tall bush that keeps the bean pods off the ground.

Dark Red Kidney beans are one of the most widely used beans in North America! Dark Red Kidney is a bush variety of dried bean. Each pod contains 5 large, red kidney shaped beans. If rain threatens before your beans are totally dry, pull the whole plant up, hang upside down in your barn/garage to let them finish drying. Once dry, these beans will store for a long time! This bean is often used in Mexican food.A perfect winter food full of protein straight from your own garden.

The Pinto bean is a great tasting bean, very popular in many Mexican dishes! The Pinto bean plant is a half-runner type that produces 20 inch plants with light tan seeds with brown speckles. Eat young when green for delicious flavor. Great bean for using for refried beans.

Python beans are a distinctive and versatile variety of pole beans, celebrated for their unique appearance and robust flavor. Named for their long, slender pods, which can reach up to 23" inches in length, Python beans offer an impressive visual appeal with their vibrant green color and smooth texture. The plants exhibit a vigorous climbing habit, often requiring sturdy trellises or poles for support as they grow to heights of 6 to 8 feet. Python beans are known for their crisp, tender pods and slightly sweet taste, making them an excellent choice for fresh eating, sautéing, or adding to various dishes. They are also prized for their resilience and adaptability, thriving in a range of soil types and weather conditions. With a maturity period of about 70 to 80 days, Python beans provide a reliable and attractive harvest, enhancing both the beauty and flavor of any vegetable garden.