Growing
Thriving in extreme heat, the tepary bean is a remarkably resilient legume that can continue to flower and set seed even when temperatures exceed 105°F. Because these plants are adapted to arid environments and utilize deep root systems to find moisture, they are ideal for dryland gardening. However, if you choose to use irrigation, be careful not to overwater. Excessive moisture or heavy rainfall during the growing season can lead to poor establishment and may cause the plant to focus on lush green foliage at the expense of your bean yield.
When preparing your garden, it is wise to perform a soil test to see if any amendments are necessary. While adding nutrients is helpful, avoid over-applying nitrogen; too much nitrogen can actually interfere with the plant's natural ability to fix nitrogen through its root nodules. Keep an eye out for common bean issues like bean common mosaic virus, as well as anthracnose, rust, or various blights and rots.
Once the pods have matured, you can harvest the seeds for use as dry shell beans or even to grind into meal. For long-term use, store your harvested beans in a dry place.
Plant Witch