For our dedicated partners and members of the Global Bean Network and Community, especially those passionate about gardening, we’ve compiled a wealth of resources to help you grow a variety of beans and legumes in your gardens. These resources include events, publications, articles, videos, and more, all focused on cultivation techniques, plant care, harvesting methods, and seed saving. Whether you’re interested in exotic species, seed-saving techniques, or urban gardening, our website has everything you need to get started. Here’s a guide to navigating these resources:
Exploring Exotic Legumes
In our event on Growing Exotic Legumes, we delved into fascinating species that, while not commonly known, can thrive in central European climates. These legumes, hailing from Brazil, South Korea, Spain, and Berlin, add variety, interest, and beauty to our gardens. This event highlighted how these unique species can be successfully grown, offering hobby gardeners a chance to explore something new.
Rescue Our Legumes
In this particular event, Werner Vogt-Kaute from Naturland addressed the challenges facing legume cultivation. We examined issues such as pests and diseases affecting Lima and Fava beans, and discussed agro-ecological solutions from different regions. The event also covered bean mixtures as a strategy to combat pests and diseases, with insights from Anna Ruminska of SlowFood Poland.
Intercropping Systems with Legumes
If you have a larger garden space or a small farm, legumes are excellent partners in intercropping systems. Their nitrogen-fixing potential enhances soil fertility, while their diversity adds resilience to farming systems. This reduces the need for external inputs and supports more sustainable gardening and farming practices.
Seed-Saving Techniques
Interested in preserving your own seeds? The Seed-Saving Ecological Education Centre in Munich offers practical tips on harvesting seeds, allowing them to mature fully, and drying them for the next planting season. Our info sheet on the Multiplication of Legume Seeds focuses on Faba beans and Peas, and we’ve compiled a collection of sources for legume seeds, including online shops, seed libraries, and exchange groups across Europe.
Urban Gardening: Legumes on Balconies
Urban gardening presents its own set of challenges, especially with limited space. Our curated info sheet on cultivating legumes on balconies provides detailed guidance on growing legumes in small urban spaces. This resource covers essential aspects like sunlight duration, soil mixtures, container depth, and the best legume varieties for balcony gardening. Urban gardening not only adds beauty to your space but also serves as a relaxing, stress-relief activity.
Comprehensive Cultivation Instructions
For a more in-depth look at growing common legumes, explore our cultivation instructions for six popular varieties: cowpea, chickpea, faba bean, soybean/edamame, common pea, and phaseolus bean. These instructions offer detailed guidance on the right planting times, soil requirements, watering schedules, pest management, and maintenance practices. Additionally, check out our show garden videos for visual references and vibrant images of beans before and after harvest, sure to inspire your next gardening project.
