WHOEVER FIRST SAY SOMETHING DOESN’T AMOUNT TO A HILL OF BEANS obviously never planted a hill of beans. Because a hill of beans can produce a mountain of beans in not time at all. We sometimes go overboard with our bean planting. But part of that is that our bean trellising system is so ingenious in that it actually creates extra room in our beds.

We use sections of galvanized fenzing called “hog panels.” If you’re lucky enough to live near an agricultural store, you can buy these sections pre-cut. We simply insert one section into the soil on one side of the bed, and then bend it over and insert the opposite end in the opposite side of the bed. It creates a sort of hoop on which the beans grow – making a shady area below which is just perfect for lettuces and other cool-loving plants.

We put some pictures of our “bean hoops” below. But first, here are the varieties of beans we’re growing this year:

FLAGEOLET BEANS – One of the creamiest beans, grown extensively in France and Italy. Best harvested when pods are fully developed but beans are still light green and soft.

PURPLE POD POLE BEAN Also known as Purple Peacock, this is a European Heirloom found by Henry Field in an old garden in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Plants climb to 6 ft., produce long purple pods which blanch to light green. Heavy yields and a good producer under a variety of conditions.

BROAD WINDSOR FAVA BEAN – A variety known prior to 1860, and listed by the French seed house, Vilmorin-Andrieux in 1885.

CONTENDER BUSH BEAN – Introduced in 1949, this very popular bean has remained a favorite of gardeners for more than 50 years. The 18 in. plant is resistant to viruses and tolerant of heat. Stringless, dark green 6 in. pods.

SCARLET RUNNER EMPEROR BEANS – Used by Native Americans, the large sturdy 10 ft. vines produce very showy scarlet flowers in clusters. The pods are fat and fuzzy. The huge beans are purple and black and used to make bean jewelry. Plants prefer cool weather.

POLE LIMA, KING OF THE GARDEN – Introduced in 1883, this is an old fashioned favorite excellent for home gardens. Vines are large, 8-10 ft. and produce huge yields over a long season. Beans are white and very large. Pods are 5 in.

LANDRETH STRINGLESS BEANS – An original introduction of the Landreth Company from 1885. For years Landreth advertised this bean as the earliest of the bush beans. Stringless, fiberless, tasty, juicy beans. Brittle 5 in. pods.

PENCIL POD YELLOW WAX BEAN – Introduced by Calvin Keeney around 1900, this bean is regarded as perhaps the best of the wax beans. Pods are pale golden yellow, stringless and fiberless. Beans have a fine texture and excellent flavor. Pods are 6 in.

CAROLINA SIEVA LIMA BEAN – In 1880 Landreth described these beans as “offers greater probability of satisfactory return for labor expended than the most tender Lima”. Excellent flavor, quick bearing, and cold resistant. Pods are 3 in.

KENTUCKY WONDER WHITE POLE BEAN – First introduced in the 1850’s. Rust resistant plants produce large clusters of silvery green fleshy pods, almost stringless. White beans have distinct flavor. Pods are 7-10 in.