These are so easily grown that there is no reason why they should not
find a place in every garden and on every table. The plants are dwarf
and bushy, not requiring any support, and will grow in any dry and
mellow soil that is in good condition and well-tilled. They do not
thrive in cold wet soils, nor in shaded situations. Being very sensitive
to frost, they should not be planted until the weather has become warm,
and danger from frosts after they are up has passed. It is usual to
plant them in the garden in drills, sowing quite thick, so that if the
cut-worms attack them there may be some to escape. They may be planted
about three inches deep in the drill, and the rows eighteen inches
apart. They should not be hoed or handled when wet with rain or dew, as
that causes the leaves to turn brown, with a rusty appearance. As soon
as the pods have nearly obtained their usual length, and while the beans
are yet quite small, they may be gathered for use. They are prepared by
breaking off the end and pulling the string down the length of the pod,
and then snapping the pods into smaller pieces. Because of the string
which is removed from the edges of the pod in preparing them for
cooking, they have been called string beans, and for the reason that
after the string has been removed they break with a snap, if gathered at
the right age, they are also called snap beans. After being broken into
suitable pieces they are boiled in water until quite tender, and then
served with a little salt and butter.
There are a number of varieties now in cultivation, each having some
peculiarity by which it is distinguished, and on account of which it is
prized by those who grow it. The Early Rachel is considered a desirable
variety because of its hardiness, and coming soon into use. We have
found the Early Mohawk to be one of the most hardy sorts, enduring cold
winds and chilly weather, and even light frosts. It is very productive,
the pods are tender, and if gathered as fast as they become fit for use,
will continue to yield a good supply for some time. The Refugee is an
abundant cropper, but later, coming into use in about eight weeks after
planting. It is much esteemed for pickling, on account of the thick,
fleshy character of the pods. The Wax or Butter variety has become very
popular in our markets; the pods are thick, fleshy and of a waxy yellow
color, and very tender, but to the writer’s taste they are very
deficient in sweetness and richness of flavor. Their delicate, almost
transparent appearance, and tenderness, will make them sell readily, no
matter about the flavor, and they are as prolific as the most
enthusiastic market gardener could reasonably ask. The Broad or Windsor
Bean, so generally grown in England, is not used as a string bean, but
shelled and only the beans used. It does not usually do well in our
climate, probably owing to our greater heat and dryness. The White
Marrowfat is not as desirable for use as a string bean as the other
sorts that have been mentioned; but for use shelled, either green or
dry, and particularly as a baking bean, is of the first quality. This is
the variety that is extensively grown for market in a dry state, and has
become an article of considerable commercial importance, commanding from
a dollar to a dollar and a half per bushel.
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