{"title":"Beans Unusual","description":"\u003cp\u003eLooking to grow something a bit different? We’re all about the quirks and delights of lesser-known legumes. Come explore – you might just find a new favourite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur favourite? \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dwarf-french-bean-canadian-wonder-kidney\" title=\"canadian wonder kidney bean vegetable seeds\"\u003eCanadian Wonder Kidney Bean\u003c\/a\u003e – reliable and full of flavour.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eEven more beans... \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/broad-beans\" title=\"broad bean vegetable seeds\"\u003eBroad Beans\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/collection-bean-french-climbing-vegetable-seeds\" title=\"climbing french bean vegetable seeds\"\u003eFrench Climbing\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/french-beans-dwarf\" title=\"dwarf french bean vegetable seeds\"\u003eFrench Dwarf\u003c\/a\u003e, and trusty \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/collection-beans-runner-vegetable-seeds\" title=\"runner bean vegetable seeds\"\u003eRunners\u003c\/a\u003e – plus some lovely \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/collection-pea-vegetable-seeds\" title=\"pea vegetable seeds\"\u003epeas\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"asparagus-pea","title":"Asparagus Pea","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsparagus Pea \u003c\/strong\u003eis a quirky little plant with real charm. It produces striking red flowers that turn into winged, angular pods. Compact and slightly bushy, it doesn’t need support unless it’s in a very exposed spot. Looks just as good in a veg bed as it does in a patio pot—definitely one to grow for its ornamental appeal as well as its harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHARVEST\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pick the pods when they’re small—about 2.5 to 5 cm long—for the best texture. Keep harvesting regularly to encourage more to form, though don’t expect heavy yields. This one’s more about quality than quantity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEAT \u0026amp; ENJOY\u003c\/strong\u003e: The flavour is mild and nutty, especially when steamed or boiled lightly. Lovely served with butter or a simple sauce. They’re also tasty cold in summer salads.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eYes we know this isn't actually a bean however we have added it to the unusual bean section so that we can draw attention to this very unusual variety - enjoy\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824580108564,"sku":"ASPPE","price":1.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/Asparagus_Pea_2_ml.jpg?v=1732815443"},{"product_id":"lablab-bean","title":"Lablab Bean","description":"\u003cp\u003eSay hello to the \u003cstrong\u003eLabLab Bean\u003c\/strong\u003e, also known as the \u003cem\u003eHyacinth Bean\u003c\/em\u003e – a stunning climbing plant that can shoot up to around 2 metres tall! Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but it’s edible too. The young pods can be picked early and cooked whole, or you can let them mature for sliced beans – or go the whole way and dry them for winter use. Handy, right?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe foliage has a lovely purple tinge, which gives the plant an ornamental flair, and the flowers? Oh, they’re something else – scented, and in surprise shades of purple, red, pink or white. You’ll just have to wait and see what colour pops up in your patch. It’s a great all-rounder – gorgeous and useful!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW \u0026amp; GROW\u003c\/strong\u003e: start these off in pots or modules, barely cover the seed, \u0026amp; place in an unheated greenhouse or on a windowsill during late April or May.  This is a tender plant that doesn’t like cold soil or cold snaps.  Plant out after hardening off when about 15cm tall after all frost danger has passed.  Your Lablab plants will need tall canes for them to climb. To enjoy their perfume plant near a path.  Water regularly during warm dry spells.  Plants growing under glass like a humid atmosphere so damp the path every day.  Any feed should be high Potassium and low\/no nitrogen.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENJOY\u003c\/strong\u003e: you can pick the young pods and cook them whole (steam or stir fry and we think this is the nicest stage to eat them).  Leave them to mature for sliced beans (can be a bit tougher and stringy) or leave them even longer for dried beans: these need cooking thoroughly in several changes of water.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌿 TOP TIP\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLablab Beans can get very leafy and lush but not produce many flowers (or any!) if the nitrogen levels are too high. These clever plants actually make their own nitrogen, so no need for nitrogen-rich fertiliser – too much can work against you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’ve accidentally overdone it, don’t worry. You can balance things out by adding more potassium and phosphorus. A tomato feed is a great, easy option – just check the N:P:K numbers on the bottle. You’re after low N (nitrogen), medium to high P (phosphorus), and high K (potassium).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are non-chemical ways of doing this – here are some options:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eBanana Skins\u003c\/span\u003e – Packed with potassium! You can compost them or steep them in water to make a gentle, natural feed. Great for flower power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eFood Waste Compost\u003c\/span\u003e – General food scraps (especially fruit and veg peelings) tend to be higher in potassium. Just be mindful – composting cooked food or meat can attract unwanted visitors like rats, so keep it veggie-based.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWood Ash\u003c\/span\u003e – A traditional favourite. Wood ash from untreated wood is rich in potassium and can be added to your compost or sprinkled directly onto beds over autumn and winter. Let the rain and frost work it into the soil before planting time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eGreensand\u003c\/span\u003e – A mineral-rich natural product that slowly releases potassium (and other goodies) into the soil. It’s gentle, organic, and great for long-term soil health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGive your LabLab the right balance, and it’ll reward you with flowers, pods, and plenty of character in the garden. Happy growing!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824615858452,"sku":"BNULL","price":1.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/lablab_seeds_24_06_13_ml.jpg?v=1732816162"},{"product_id":"climbing-italian-bean-marvel-of-venice","title":"Climbing Italian Bean Marvel of Venice","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarvel of Venice \u003c\/strong\u003emight sound a bit grand, but this Italian heirloom bean more than earns the name. It’s known for its rich, buttery, sweet flavour – one of those beans you taste once and then want to grow every year. It’s an early Romano type, ready in around 55 days, and gives you long, pale yellow pods that range from soft lemon to honey-coloured. And yep, they’re delicious at every stage – from young and tender to fully dried.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePick Marvel of Venice beans young and toss them straight into salads or serve them up with a dip – they’re great raw or just lightly cooked. Let them grow on a bit and they really come into their own. You can steam, braise, simmer, grill, sauté or even deep-fry them – and they stand up beautifully to it all. Their meaty texture and rich flavour make them ideal for soups, stews, or hearty side dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd yes, they climb!\u003cbr\u003eThese are tall vining plants, so they’ll need a trellis or some poles to scramble up. Once they get going, they don’t hold back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSo why not call Marvel of Venice a Climbing French Bean\u003c\/span\u003e? Well – it’s Italian for starters. But more than that, it’s a bit special. The pods, the flavour, the versatility – they’ve got a character all their own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat said – yes, you do grow them just like a climbing French bean.\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: 'Myriad Web Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re after a bean that’s tasty, versatile, and a bit of a show-off in the garden, Marvel of Venice might be just what you’re looking for. Give it something to climb, keep it well watered, and enjoy the harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW\u003c\/strong\u003e: start in pots or modules in an unheated greenhouse or window-sill in April- May. You can sow directly into the soil from mid-May.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW\u003c\/strong\u003e: harden off \u0026amp; plant after all frost danger has passed.  These will need tall supports. Keep picking for more beans.  This early producing Romano bean, ready to harvest in about 55 days, grows long light to honey yellow pods that are delicious at every stage from young pods right through to dried beans - \u003cstrong\u003eENJOY\u003cem\u003e!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824623755540,"sku":"BNUCI","price":2.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/Italian_climbing_bean_marvel_of_venice_ml.jpg?v=1732816259"},{"product_id":"dwarf-french-bean-canadian-wonder-kidney","title":"Dwarf French Bean Canadian Wonder (Kidney)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHeirloom \u003cstrong\u003eCanadian Wonder\u003c\/strong\u003e is the classic red kidney bean—just what you need to complete a hearty bowl of chilli con carne. It’s easy to grow and wonderfully versatile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW \u0026amp; GROW\u003c\/strong\u003e: start these off in pots or modules during April or May. Wait until mid-May to sow in situ.  You can sow as late as July for a later harvest. Grown for either crop (in the green or as dried) your plants will reach 30-50cm tall and will not need supporting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTo enjoy as KIDNEY BEANS\u003c\/strong\u003e: leave the pods on the plants however you don’t need to wait for the end of the season.  Pick them when they start to yellow (and your plants will keep cropping), shell them and leave them overnight and the beans will turn from pink to deep ‘kidney bean red’; now pop them in the freezer \u0026amp; these can then be cooked from frozen.  If you want to dry your beans the pods will need to be left on the plants to dry naturally and then the dried beans can be stored in airtight jars.  Dried Kidney Beans need to be soaked overnight before cooking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTo enjoy as a FRENCH BEAN\u003c\/strong\u003e: pick the heavy crops of attractive bright green pods early, when they are small and young, they are just packed with excellent flavour. They’re tender, full of flavour, and delicious straight from the garden. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824647971092,"sku":"DFBCW","price":1.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/dwarf_french_bean_Canadian_Wonder_kidney_ml.jpg?v=1732816500"},{"product_id":"edamame-hokkai-green","title":"Edamame Hokkai Green","description":"\u003cp\u003eBig and delicious kernels are a feature of \u003cstrong\u003eEdamame Hokkai Green\u003c\/strong\u003e, a northern Japanese variety from Hokkaido, well suited for our changeable climate and day length growing conditions. Expect an abundant yield with beautiful pods and great taste.  These can be harvested and cooked in the pod, shelled after cooking. They do need a long hot summer to crop well so consider growing in a greenhouse, polytunnel or conservatory for the best results or a warm sheltered spot in the garden. Edamame are a plant-based protein source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis variety is part of our naturally nurtured range, the seed comes from an organic source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW:\u003c\/strong\u003e  from late April to early May in pots (seed depth 30-50mm), plant out at 15cm spacing.  From last frost to late June in the open, use cloches to help gemination which can take 3 weeks to germinate so patience is required!  Successive sowings - every 2\/3 weeks – will give you a continual supply all summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW:\u003c\/strong\u003e allow to grow until the pods are about 6-8cm and harvest July onwards. The plants get to a height of between 60-75 cm. The plants grow about 60-75 cm tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENJOY\u003c\/strong\u003e: these must be cooked before eating: steam, boil or griddle whilst in the pods.  Once cooked eat them hot, as an accompaniment to a main dish, or chill them and add to a salad or eat as a snack.    Alternatively shell them and add to stir fry (make sure they cook, if in doubt cook them first before adding) or cook in meat or vegetables stews and casseroles. Excellent in slow cooked soups.  A good plant-based protein source.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51350103032084,"sku":"BNEHG","price":3.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/BeansedamameHokkaiGreen.jpg?v=1758979628"},{"product_id":"carlin-pea-minerva","title":"Carlin Pea Minerva","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eCarlin Pea, Minerva\u003c\/strong\u003e, has a rich history and even its own annual day. It’s an heirloom drying variety with beautiful purple and lilac bicoloured flowers, followed by distinctive brown seeds. With a lovely nutty flavour, carlin peas can be used as an alternative to chickpeas or lentils and are much easier to grow in the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally they are harvested dry, cooked once in salty water, then cooked again with a dash of vinegar and served with rum and brown sugar. Carlin peas have been grown since medieval times, and probably long before those seven hundred years we can trace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir revival is much more recent, as people rediscover their unique, rich flavour. They can be enjoyed fresh while still green in salads, or dried and cooked, where that flavour really comes into its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW:\u003c\/strong\u003e  with protection in February\/March or in the open in April \u0026amp; May. Seed depth  around 30mm and aim for a distance apart of 5cm.  They can be sown in guttering to be slid into place: we find that small individual pots save space and are easy to transplant from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW: \u003c\/strong\u003epot sown plants need to be hardened off before planting out.  Peas like moisture and will tolerate light shade.  Water in dry summers, increasing the amount a little once they have started to flower.  These can become quite heavy as the pods develop to canes and string are needed to support the crop as it grows.  Pick in the green for salad use or dry pods on the plant…picking them before they split open and drop your crop!  Store dried peas until needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENJOY:\u003c\/strong\u003e traditionally cooked once in salty water, then cooked again with a dash of vinegar and served with rum and brown sugar or a with salt and vinegar.  Use as a tasty alternative to chickpeas or lentils in all sorts of recipes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51930366902548,"sku":"UNPEAMV","price":1.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/carlinpea.jpg?v=1769859750"},{"product_id":"bean-yard-long-asparagus-green","title":"Bean - Yard Long Asparagus Green","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYard Long Asparagus Green\u003c\/strong\u003e produces amazing long, slender pods that hang in pairs, looking a little like green spaghetti! Pick the immature beans at around 30 cm long and cook them quickly for the best results. Stir frying or sautéing brings out a rich flavour while keeping that firm, juicy texture. Steaming gives a more delicate result, though boiling will leave them soft and a bit squashy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plant has tropical roots and does best in the UK with the extra warmth of a greenhouse, polytunnel or conservatory. In a long hot summer they can grow outdoors, but if the weather turns cooler they will sulk! Plants are tall, often reaching over 2 metres, and will need canes or netting for support.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the name “yard long”, the botanical name Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis actually means one and a half feet long (half a yard!). If you miss a few pods, they can be left to mature and dried for winter use. Do keep picking though, as once beans start to develop fully the plant slows, then stops producing more pods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW:\u003c\/strong\u003e seed depth 25-50mm deep, in pots indoors or in a greenhouse from mid-April to early June.  Don’t start them earlier than mid-April as germination is poor in cooler conditions and plants are sensitive to drops in night temperature.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW:\u003c\/strong\u003e as they are temperature sensitive they grow relatively slowly in cooler conditions.  They are much more vigorous under cover but can be planted outside in a warm, sheltered spot. Harden off at around 15 cm tall and only plant out once all risk of frost has passed. Plant one or two plants at the base of each cane. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENJOY: \u003c\/strong\u003e pick when the pods are about 30cm long and cut into pieces of around 5cm.  Steam for a delicate flavour or fry for something richer.  Once fried they are also excellent in soups and curries\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52408356569364,"sku":"BNUYLG","price":1.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/yard_long_asparagus_green.jpg?v=1777446997"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/collections\/dwarf_french_bean_Canadian_Wonder_kidney_m.jpg?v=1751538668","url":"https:\/\/moreveg.co.uk\/collections\/collection-bean-unusual-vegetable-seeds.oembed","provider":"MoreVeg Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}