Runner Bean seed saving - harvest now?

[1Bee]

Sorry, I've re-read the threads from search, but haven't got a categoric answer...

The runner beans pods I'm saving for seed have been fully swelled for weeks now, but nowhere near yellow. The vines have stopped producing but are still lush and green. I really need to be clearing that end of the plot, though.

Can I harvest the pods green and dry them in the growhouse in my backyard?

Ta!

[Alison]

It's really best to leave them as long as you can as otherwise they are more likely to rot.

[Bren In Pots]

Bee there's a good seed saving article here on Real Seeds :-

How To Save Your Own Seed at Home

[1Bee]

I guess I'll have to leave them awhile.

I read that, Bren, but found it really off-putting, suggesting I shouldn't consider saving seed unless at least half a mile from the nearest runner bean... Eeek!

[Alison]

I read that, Bren, but found it really off-putting, suggesting I shouldn't consider saving seed unless at least half a mile from the nearest runner bean... Eeek!

Runner beans are likely to cross with any it her type of runner within about half a mile (Frenchies are much less tarty ) however unlike squashes that often hybridise to something a bit rubbish, 99% of the time runners will produce something perfectly edible, just not necessarily the same as the original seed you planted.

[1Bee]

Another question....

What about frost? Do I need to get them in before it frosts, whether they're still green or not?

Ta.

[Zelenina]

Yes, get them in if a frost is coming. I find they dry OK off the plant if the pods have started going thin and leathery. If they are still thick and fleshy it's probably better to eat them as shelly beans. What kind of grow house? Is it heated? Usually I dry mine indoors. Near my desktop computer or on top of it is a good place for drying all kinds of seeds because of the gentle heat and fan.

[1Bee]

Timber and polycarb growhouse in our back yard, which is very sheltered and has sandstone flags which hold the heat. However, if it's wet, it's a very damp spot, so maybe not.

[1Bee]

Well, that's that, then. *g* They weren't even remotely leathery, and we had our first frost last night.

Ho hum.

There's always next year.

[Zelenina]

How are the plants looking after the frost? Was it bad enough to damage them? Did you pick the pods and bring them in before it? Maybe they'd do ok in a dry place indoors. But definitely nowhere that could get damp.

[Martin H]

As long as the beans are fully formed (bulging in the pod), my experience is that they are fine. Pick the pods and spread them out on newspaper somewhere dry - I use a north-facing windowsill. Turn them now and again to help them dry out. Don't shell them until the pods are brown and crispy and pop open when you squeeze them.

[1Bee]

Alright, I'll go and rescue them today, thanks.

Although 'nowhere damp' does make me laugh - there's nowhere anywhere in our house that's not damp sometimes! ;-) One memorable wet summer, the furniture in the dining room went mouldy...

Conversely, winters aren't so bad, because the heating's on.