Under the name of Lima beans two distinct types are now recognized:
Pole Limas and dwarf, or bush, Limas. Lima beans are of very great
commercial value, but are not sufficiently appreciated as a table food
because it is not generally known that in a dry state they can be used
in practically the same manner as are the common beans. In reality they
are richer and more delicate in flavor than the common beans, and can
be used in as many different ways. The virtues of these types as green
beans need only a passing mention, and their value as an accompaniment
of corn in succotash is well known to every consumer of canned goods.
_Planting._--The common method of handling the Lima bean in the climate
of the northern tier of States, outside of the irrigated belt, is to
plant from three to five beans in hills 18 to 36 inches apart, with the
rows 3-1/2 to 4 feet apart, and after all danger from cold and from
insect enemies is past the beans are thinned to about three plants to
the hill. As the beans are exceedingly tender, it is necessary to delay
planting in the open until about a week or ten days after the time for
planting the common garden beans. After the second cultivation, when
the tendency to climb has manifested itself, the plantation is supplied
with poles from 5 to 6 feet high, or with a trellis running from end
to end of the row, which may be made by stretching two or three wires
lengthwise of the row and weaving between them strands of ordinary
wool twine. If the trellis is employed the beans can be planted in
practically continuous rows, so that they stand about a foot apart.
Toward the northern limit for cultivating this crop, one is fortunate
if one-half to two-thirds of the pods which set upon the plants mature
the seed. Farther south the crop is proportionally heavier.
In California and in other irrigated regions where there are
well-marked wet and dry seasons, the dry season, accompanied by heavy
fogs, occurring during the summer months, it is possible to cultivate
Lima beans somewhat as follows: Upon moderately rich, somewhat sandy
valley land, cultivation can be carried out by planting the beans as
soon as all danger from rains has ceased and the plantation will remain
dry except for irrigation. If there has not been sufficient winter rain
to thoroughly moisten the land it should be well watered and allowed
to dry to a good cultural condition before planting. Seed can then be
planted in hills about 3-1/2 or 4 feet apart each way, or in drills,
the beans scattered about a foot apart in rows 4 feet apart. After the
beans have germinated it may be necessary to cultivate them once or
twice with a sweep of some type, to destroy any weeds which may have
sprung up from the moist ground. All moisture should be withheld and
a dust mulch over the surface preserved by running a sweep over the
plantation once or twice more, and then the vines should be allowed to
take possession of the territory. This obviates the necessity of using
poles, and the crop can grow to maturity under these conditions without
irrigation, without cultivation, and without poles.
At harvest time a root cutter is passed under the lines of the rows,
severing the roots of the plants, and after the plants have dried and
become somewhat cured they are thrown into convenient heaps for loading
on wagons and are allowed to remain in these heaps until near the
approach of the rainy season. Then they are carried to the thrashing
floors, where they are beaten out by the tramping of animals or by
driving over the heap a device somewhat similar to the ordinary cutaway
harrow.
The dwarf Lima beans, because of their habit of growth, are planted and
cultivated practically the same as are field beans. They are slightly
hardier than pole Limas, and for that reason toward the northern limit
of the range of this crop can be planted somewhat earlier in the season
than the pole Limas.--(F. B. 289; U. Mich. 259; S. C. E. S. 10; S. Dak.
E. S. 47, 91; Iowa E. S. 47; Miss. E. S. 131.)