Saving the Contender Bean Seeds

At this time, I am still harvesting the Contender Bush Snap Beans and I am contemplating expanding my horizon to include planting other type/kind of snap beans.  Maybe.  In the meantime, I am going to save the Contender seeds, if for no other reason but to see what will happen with such a project.

The helpful lady at Standard Feed told me some time ago that their bulk seeds were non-hybrid unless otherwise marked.  She also told me that beans were self-pollinating; meaning that I didn't have to worry about cross pollination and mixing strains.

This morning, I went out to the garden to pick some of the largest and fattest snap beans that I am going to use as seed savers.

On a pretty kitchen towel covering a baking sheet, I spread out the beans in a single layer and making sure they did not touch.  The plan is to let them dry on the dining room table for the next four months, patience prevailing.  I will check for moldy beans and throw them out if I find them.

When the four months are up and the beans are shriveled u[ and dry, I will shell the beans, and if I can't penetrate the skin with my thumb nail, the beans are ready for storage in a labeled glass jar. (Plastic containers or bags, and envelopes will also do fine.)

The beans are now ready for sowing. It is recommended that the seeds be soaked over night in water before sowing.  It speeds up the germination, supposedly.

Happy Gardening!

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