Grow it:
Varieties:
- Several Snap, Pinto, and Lima bean varieties are recommended for planting in Texas.
- Popular varieties include TopCrop (bush), Blue Lake 274 (bush), Kentucky Wonder (pole), and Henderson (lima).
Planting:
- In the spring, plant green beans only after the danger of frost has passed.
- In the fall, plant them 10 to 12 weeks before the first expected frost.
Watering:
- Water the plants about once a week in dry weather.
- Do not let the soil dry out while the beans are blooming or your harvest will be decreased.
Harvesting:
- Green beans are ready to pick when they are about the size of a small pencil.
- The smaller the beans are the most tender.
- Pull them carefully to avoid damaging the plant.
Buy it:
- Choose fresh, well colored beans that snap easily when bent.
Store it:
- Refrigerate green beans in a plastic bag. Use within 1 week.
Use it:
Green Bean and Squash Salad
Ingredients:
Salad:
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in to bite-sized pieces.
- 2 cups yellow squash, sliced and chopped
- 1/2 pint grape tomatoes
- 3/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup reduced fat feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice, fresh squeezed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, washed and chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Make sure your cooking area, utensils, and hands are clean.
- Clean, slice, and chop vegetables and place them in a large bowl. Add tomatoes and feta cheese to a bowl.
- Mix olive oil, lime juice, basil, and spices in a small bowl.
- Pour over vegetables and mix well. Chill in fridge for 30 min. before serving.
Learn More!
Green beans may also be called string beans. They are bright green, crunchy, and available year-round. Green beans are picked at an immature stage when the inner bean is still forming. They are free of fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Green beans are also low in calories but high in fiber and Vitamin C.
All information gathered by Aggie Horticulture. For more information about spinach and greens, or other vegetables, visit Aggie Horticulture. For a downloadable version of this page, click here.
