Dwarf Bean with Netting Altona

The Altona Bean is a dwarf variety known for its very fine pods, which are 18 to 20 cm (7 to 8in) long, straight, and round in cross-section. They are very tasty andbest eaten at the extra fine stage and do not form any strings or parchment. This variety is perfectly suited for freezing and canning and is resistant to diseases. Sow from May to July and harvest in August and September.

Whether grown for their pods or beans, French beans are loved in gardens because they are very easy to grow. They are so reliable that the gardener knows the exact date to harvest, 60 days after sowing.

Discovered in the New World and acclimatised in Europe starting from the 16th century, beans have now become an essential legume in diets all over the world. Native Americans cultivated it for its dried seeds, but it was the Italians who first ate the whole, immature pods in the 18th century.
Beans are climbers with indeterminate growth. Primitive varieties are all climbing and require support. Later, for practical reasons, dwarf varieties were selected, but all of them have tendrils that can wrap around a support.
The pods are usually green, sometimes yellow, striped with red, or even purple. Among the varieties that are eaten at the fine or extra fine stage, there are string beans that develop strings when mature. Then the pod becomes parchment-like and loses its taste.

The snap bean is generally more fleshy and can be consumed entirely, both the seeds and the pods, even when mature. The more recently created stringless - snap beans can be consumed while young and extra fine, or when more fleshy like a snap bean, as they do not develop strings.

Among shelling varieties (where only the seeds are consumed), a distinction is made between harvesting fresh beans and harvesting dry seeds, which is done 90 days after sowing.

Immature green pods are rich in vitamins A, B9, and C, as well as trace elements and minerals. Dry beans are also very rich in vitamin C, trace elements, and vegetable proteins.

Harvesting: Harvesting of fresh beans or young pods begins 60 days after sowing. For fresh beans, it must be done before the pods start to dry and develop wrinkles. The beans should have barely taken on any colour. For pod consumption, harvesting should take place every 2 or 3 days, both at the fine and extra fine stages for string beans. Harvesting of dry beans is done by cutting the entire plant, which is then hung in a dry and well-ventilated place. They can be shelled as needed.

Storage: Freezing pods is currently the most common method of preservation. To do this, remove the stem ends, wash, blanch for 5 to 6 minutes in boiling water, then plunge into cold water and dry on a clean towel. the beans can be kept in the freezer at -18 °C. However, canning is regaining popularity among a growing number of consumers due to the taste qualities associated with this preservation method. Like freezing, remove the stem ends, wash, blanch, and then plunge the beans into cold water. Put them in jars and fill them with boiling salted water. Seal the jars and sterilise them in a pressure cooker or with a steriliser for 1 hour 30 minutes over medium heat. To do this, completely cover the jars with water after securely closing them.

Dry beans: completely dry beans can be stored for up to a year if stored in good conditions, such as in airtight jars.

Gardener's tip: Beans, like all members of the Fabaceae family, can fix nitrogen from the air in the soil through a plant-bacteria symbiosis. They can regenerate soils. Beans can be included in crop rotations after green manure.
Beans are not very demanding in nutrients. Traditionally, beans are grown with squash and corn in Central and South America, forming a mutually beneficial trio. This association is known as three sisters. Beans also pair well with aubergines, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, and radishes, as they protect each other. However, avoid planting them near onions or fennel, as their growth is inhibited.

A spray of nettle manure effectively controls aphids and strengthens the plants.