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Post by Jolly on May 27, 2020 14:18:13 GMT
My MIL and I have a long-running friendly argument about the best early green bean. She likes Providers. I like Contenders. Since I grow enough beans for both of us, I plant both. But while Contender seed is cheap and easily found at local feed stores, I have to order my Provider seed. It's getting a more expensive, when you figure in shipping.
Can I save that variety? If so, what would be the approximate next year germination rate?
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bretf
New Member
Posts: 38
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Post by bretf on May 27, 2020 14:59:36 GMT
My MIL and I have a long-running friendly argument about the best early green bean. She likes Providers. I like Contenders. Since I grow enough beans for both of us, I plant both. But while Contender seed is cheap and easily found at local feed stores, I have to order my Provider seed. It's getting a more expensive, when you figure in shipping. Can I save that variety? If so, what would be the approximate next year germination rate? I put in a row of Provider from seed I saved three years ago. I had about 75 to 80 percent germination. But I attribute some of the non-germination to not mixing the chicken manure in well enough this spring. There are two definite swaths in the row that match the non-growing corn in the next row.
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Post by northerngardener on May 30, 2020 23:24:39 GMT
I like Jade bush green beans because they are the only green bean I have found that is resistant to rust, which I have a problem with. I grew a row of Provider next to a row of Jade last year. No rust on the Jade, about half the row had rust on the Provider. Green bean seeds can be stored in a cool, dark location and still get reasonable germination for about 3 years. After that, the germination rate starts to drop. You can grow green beans to save for seed. You need to let the seed pods get completely brown and dry, and bring them inside before it frosts. Don't leave the bean seeds in the pods for too long or they will mold in the pods. If I am intending to save seeds for the next year, I don't plant different bean varieties next to each other. They say beans won't cross pollinate, but we have bees next to the garden, and we do get cross pollination. I thought this site had some good info: www.reformationacres.com/2015/11/saving-heirloom-green-bean-seed.html
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