Runner Beans

[bennynobrain]

I have had loads of runner beans this year . Saving some for seed for next year, I let the pods dry on the vine and want to know best way to store the seeds. Do I need to dry them first ? Also anyone know why some are black,some speckled, some purple, some pure white and some green

[Bbbananas]

That's a long clue...

[aelmpvw]

how many letters?

[kendra20]

best way to store them for seeds is in a brown paper bag never plastic bag. Monty Don was doing this on Gardeners World. don't know about different colours though sorry.

[JandyAF]

I think you could have got even more good advice if you had accessed "Home and Garden" in the left-hand column.

[boxtops]

My dad used to let them dry out fully, then store them in paper bags in a cool dry place.

The different colours are often different bean varieties, or cross-breeds.

[BigGee]

The trick to storing seeds is to dry them thoroughly. When your bean pods are mature and just starting to split open collect all the pods.

Shell them and lay the beans out on newspaper, or in appropriate trays. Leave them to dry thoroughly in an airy room (possibly by a radiator or in an airing cupboard)

When thoroughly dry put them in a freezer bag and keep them in your refrigerator until you're ready to sow them in the spring.

I hope that helps!

G.