Best Bean Varieties for the Home Garden

Beans are some of the easiest and most enjoyable crops to grow in a backyard garden. There are so many interesting and varied varieties of beans that you could easily fill your whole garden up with different plants and bean pods. In this article we’ll explore the best bean varieties for the home gardener.

I’ve been growing beans and experimenting with different breeds for over 15 years and have probably tried 30 varieties over this time. I love so many different bean shapes and there are many uses for the different types of beans from fresh eating to cooking in soups. Below we’ll explore some of the best varieties of beans as well as some general information about beans in general.

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Contents

Difference Between Peas and Beans

Beans and peas are sometimes confused as they have similar uses in the kitchen and similar styles in the garden. Beans and peas are both legumes but differ in growth habits, with beans generally having larger, drier seeds and a hearty flavor, while peas are smaller, tender, and sweeter, often eaten fresh and typically harvested when immature.

Types of Beans

There are many different types of beans and many different varieties of each type. This makes choosing a variety hard! Below is a summary of the different types of beans with some of the best varieties to try as a home gardener.

Green Beans (Snap Beans)

Description: These are harvested while still immature and are eaten in their entirety. They can be eaten fresh, steamed, or stir-fried.
Varieties: Blue Lake, Provider, Maxibel.

Wax Beans

Description: Similar to green beans but with a yellow pod. They have a slightly different flavor and can be used in similar ways as green beans.
Varieties: Gold Rush, Jade.

String Beans

Description: These beans have a tough string along the seam, which can be removed before cooking. They are typically grown as a fresh vegetable.
Varieties: Kentucky Wonder (also classified as a pole bean), Blue Lake.

Snap Beans

Description: These are beans that can be snapped and eaten fresh or cooked. They are known for their tender, edible pods.
Varieties: Dragon’s Tongue, Roma II.

Dry Beans

Description: These beans are harvested when fully mature and dry. They require soaking before cooking and are used in a variety of dishes.
Varieties:
- Kidney Beans: Red and white varieties, known for their hearty texture.
- Black Beans: Small, black beans with a rich, earthy flavor.
- Pinto Beans: Brownish beans with a speckled appearance, commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
- Navy Beans: Small, white beans often used in soups and stews.
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): Round, beige beans used in Mediterranean dishes.

Shell Beans

Description: Beans that are harvested when mature but before drying. The beans are removed from the pods and used fresh.
Varieties: Lima Beans, Fava Beans.

Edamame

Description: These are young soybeans harvested before they mature. They are typically boiled and served as a snack or appetizer.
Varieties: Early Harvest, Midseason.

Lima Beans

Description: Also known as butter beans, these beans have a creamy texture and are often used in soups and stews.
Varieties: Fordhook, Baby Lima.

Fava Beans

Description: Also known as broad beans, they have a nutty flavor and are used in Mediterranean dishes.
Varieties: Windsor, Aquadulce.

Bush Beans Versus Pole Beans

The other major difference you will see in the garden in the growing style of beans. Beans are typically either bush beans or pole beans. Bush beans are much smaller and grow compact. These beans are best for small garden spaces. Pole beans on the other hand grow tall and viney and need additional support like a trellis to climb up.

What do we Grow in our Garden?

We typically grow several varieties of beans in the garden with at least 2 pole and 2 bush bean varieties. We always grow provider beans as they are reliable and good eaten fresh or cooked. We then grow a few varieties that can be stored dry throughout the winter. Below are the best varieties of beans we’ve enjoyed over the years.

Bush Beans

Blue Lake Bush
- Description: A classic choice for home gardeners, Blue Lake Bush beans produce tender, flavorful pods. They’re known for their high yields and are ideal for canning or freezing.
Provider
- Description: Provider beans are known for their reliability and adaptability. They produce a heavy yield of crisp, tender beans that are great for fresh eating and preserving.
Bush Romano
- Description: These beans offer a unique, flat pod that is rich in flavor. Bush Romano beans are excellent for those who enjoy a more flavorful, Italian-style bean.
Maxibel
- Description: Maxibel beans are known for their long, slender pods that remain tender even when mature. They have a crisp texture and are great for fresh use or cooking.
French Filet
- Description: Also known as “haricots verts,” these beans are prized for their delicate flavor and tender texture. They are perfect for gourmet dishes and quick cooking.

Pole Beans

Kentucky Wonder
- Description: A popular pole bean variety, Kentucky Wonder produces prolific yields of stringless, tender beans. The vines can grow quite tall, making them ideal for vertical gardening.
Scarlet Runner
- Description: Not only are Scarlet Runner beans delicious, but they also feature striking red flowers that attract pollinators. They produce large, meaty beans with a slightly nutty flavor.
Pole Romano
- Description: This variety produces broad, flat beans with a rich flavor. Pole Romano beans are great for those who prefer a more substantial bean and have the space for their climbing vines.
Dragon’s Tongue
- Description: Dragon’s Tongue beans are known for their striking purple and yellow striping. They offer a sweet, crisp flavor and are both eye-catching and tasty.
Tennessee Purple Pod
- Description: These beans stand out with their deep purple pods that turn green when cooked. They’re known for their rich flavor and excellent productivity.