I have a bunch of yardlong bean seed left now and wondered if it is one I could use for sprouting.It's somewhat related to mung I believe.The only use I saw for Yard long or asparagus bean was for eating the pods fresh. But I don't see why the beans couldn't be used unless they are like hyacinth bean. Does anyone have an idea?

BTW this is a brown seeded version I was given as an heirloom bean for this area.It was simply called 'brown bean'.I grew it out to see what it was,and knew right away it wasn't an ordinary bean.Turned out to be a brown seeded version of yardlong.Had not seen it before,nor had some others.I wondered how an 'oriental ' bean ended up in Eastern KY of all places,then learned that Thomas Jefferson had also grown yardlongs.But not brown seeded. So the mystery is still partially unsolved.

If anyone wanted to help preserve this variety,let me know, or get seed off of me this fall.Warning: this sucker grows tall!

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

Answers

Bean saver here, would really like some seed. I also love the idea of perserving varieties. help me remember to ask in the fall.

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

Diane-I still have your address I believe,and will send you a sampling as you should be just abt right for getting it going,now.It needs warmer soil than regular beans,but once it gets going watch out.They will get at least 6 feet tall.Well,for me anyway.

You could plant a short row up against a fence or something.They are very productive for me,but for seed saving,there are only a few beans in a very long pod,so remember that.No need to isolate from other beans,as this is a seperate species. You can fit them in somewhere,now I know you can :o)

Also,Did you get float bed plans off of julie? I got sick and didn't get them all out.Then I forgot.

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2001

Thank you, thank you. And yes, I got the plans....now, when I get the courage to show husband said plans, we will talk about how they work here. (some things have to be entered into VERY gently, know what I mean???)

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2001