Bean Seeds - Black Turtle

Quick Growing Specifications:

Hardiness Zone: 3-10
Days to Maturity: 85-100 Days (for dry beans)
Planting Depth: 1" Deep
Plant Spacing: 3-6" Apart
Germination: 7-10 Days

Black Turtle Bean Planting Instructions:

1. Timing: Beans are frost-sensitive. Plant outdoors only after the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed in the spring.

2. Sowing: Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and about 3-6 inches apart. There is no need for a trellis, as these are bush beans.

3. Care: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the flowering and pod-setting stage. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliage diseases.

4. Harvesting for Dry Beans: For the classic "Black Turtle" use, leave the pods on the plant until they are brown, dry, and the beans inside are hard. Harvest before any heavy autumn rains to prevent molding.

5. Pests and Diseases: Black Turtle Beans are sturdy, but because they stay in the garden longer to dry out, they need protection from late-season moisture and pests. Watch for these common issues:

• The Main Culprit: Mexican Bean Beetles are the primary threat; they look like orange ladybugs with black spots and can lace the foliage, weakening the plant before the beans fully dry.
• The Defense: Check leaf undersides for yellow egg clusters and crush them. Hand-picking adult beetles and dropping them into soapy water is the best way to protect your harvest without chemicals.
• The "Mildew" Rule: As the plants begin to dry down in late summer, ensure they have plenty of airflow. Avoid harvesting or walking through the rows when the plants are wet from dew to prevent the spread of mold to the drying pods.
• Harvesting for Production: If a period of heavy rain is forecasted while your pods are almost dry, you can pull the entire plant up by the roots and hang it upside down in a dry, covered area (like a barn or porch) to finish the drying process safely!