How to Stop Bean Seeds From Growing & Save Them to Use Next Year

Harvesting Bean Seeds

• 1

  Bean seeds must be fully mature before they can be stored. Wait until late in the growing season to harvest seeds, about a month after you would normally pick them for green beans. Test if they are ready by shaking the plant. If the seedpods rattle, the beans are finished developing.

• 2

  If the seeds do not dry in the garden, pull up the plants with the bean pods still attached. Grasp the main stem of the plant near ground level and uproot the entire plant. Knock off excess soil from the roots. Tie a length of string around the lower part of the stem and hang the plants upside down in a dry, well-ventilated spot outdoors. Shelter the hanging plants from rain to keep them from getting moldy. Protect them from wind to keep the beans from dropping out of the pods.

• 3

  Remove the bean pods from the plants after they have air-dried. Split the pods open with your fingers; they open easily. Remove the bean seeds from the pods. Sort out any that appear to be shriveled, moldy or discolored and discard them. The harvested beans will need further drying once removed from their pods. The plants and empty pods can be added to your compost pile.

Storage

• 4

  Spread the bean seeds out in a single layer on a tray or cookie sheet. Move the tray of beans to a warm location for additional drying. The top of a refrigerator works well.

• 5

  Test the seed after a couple of weeks by tapping one with a hammer. If it shatters, the seeds are ready for final storage.

• 6

  Transfer the bean seeds into an airtight container such as a glass or plastic jar. Close the lid and place the container into a freezer. This kills any insects present in the seeds. Remove the container from the freezer after 72 hours and allow it to come to room temperature.

• 7

  Wrap 1 tsp. of silica gel in a facial tissue. Open the lid of the container and place the tissue containing the silica gel on top of the beans. Silica gel absorbs moisture from the air inside the jar and helps keep bean seeds at the proper humidity.

• 8

  Seal the container tightly to keep the seeds dry. Write on a label the bean variety and the date stored.

• 9

  Keep the container of seeds in a dark area at 32 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit for long-term storage. A refrigerator works fine.