kenthefarmer
Lister
Bean farming is a rewarding venture, especially if you have enough rainfall and sufficient land. With proper planning, it can yield excellent returns.
There are several varieties of beans to choose from, including Yellow Beans, Mama Safi, Wairimu, and many others. These beans are planted at a rate of 30-40kgs per acre, depending on the variety.
For spacing, you can plant them 20-30 cm apart. They can be planted on rows for easier management or even scattered, depending on your preference.
With the right conditions, beans can be a reliable source of income and a step toward sustainable farming. Try it out!
Feeding beans;
We do not want to spend alot of money in producing beans so we just apply triple 17 ie 17:17:17 fertilizer and spray the necessary fungicides and pesticide (not a must). Thrips attacks the flowers leading to flower abortion so make sure you do scouting.
The time beans take to grow depends on the variety and environmental conditions. Here’s a general timeline:
1. Germination:
3–10 days after planting, depending on soil moisture and temperature.
2. Vegetative Growth:
2–3 weeks after germination, when the plant develops leaves and roots.
3. Flowering Stage:
4–6 weeks after planting, the plant begins to flower.
4. Pod Formation:
6–8 weeks after planting, the pods start forming.
5. Harvesting:
Dry Beans: 10–12 weeks (70–90 days), when the pods turn brown and dry.
Green Beans: 8–10 weeks, harvested when pods are tender and green.
Environmental factors like rainfall, temperature, and soil fertility can influence these timelines.
Post-Harvest Bean Handling
After harvesting your beans, the next steps are crucial for maintaining quality and maximizing profits:
1. Threshing: Remove the beans from their pods either by beating or using machines for efficiency.
2. Drying: Ensure the beans are thoroughly dried to the recommended moisture level to prevent mold.
3. Storage: Store the dried beans in a cool, dry place, preferably in airtight containers or bags.
4. Pest Control: To protect your beans from weevils and other storage pests, use appropriate pesticides or organic pest control methods.
Proper post-harvest handling ensures your beans remain in top quality for the market or for your use.
Part 2 ...upnext