Growing pinto beans is a rewarding experience, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner. But once your plants have flourished and the pods are full, the next big question is: how do you harvest pinto beans? This guide will walk you through the process with simple steps and helpful tips to ensure you get the best yield from your crop.
When to Harvest Pinto Beans
Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting pinto beans. You want to wait until the beans are mature but not overly dry. Here’s what to look for:
– Dry pods: The pods should turn yellow to tan and feel dry to the touch.
– Not too brittle: Avoid waiting until the pods are so dry that they crack open and scatter the seeds.
– Firm beans: The beans inside will be firm and about the thickness of a pencil.
Typically, pinto beans take about 90 to 150 days to mature, depending on the variety and weather conditions. You can also harvest them earlier if you want to eat them as fresh green snap beans, but for dry beans, patience is key.
How to Harvest Pinto Beans
Step 1: Choose the Right Day
Harvest on a dry day when the plants and pods are completely dry. If rain is expected or the plants are wet, you can pull the entire plant and hang it upside down in a dry, well-ventilated place to allow the pods to dry out fully.
Step 2: Harvest the Pods or Plants
There are two main methods to harvest:
– Pick the pods individually: Gently remove the pods from the plant if you want to be selective or if the plants are still standing.
– Pull the whole plant: Uproot the entire plant and hang it upside down to dry. This method is especially useful if the weather is damp or if you want to dry the beans further before shelling.
Step 3: Shell the Beans
Once the pods are dry, shell the beans by cracking open the pods and extracting the beans inside. This can be done by hand or by using a mechanical sheller if you have a large harvest.
Step 4: Further Drying and Storage
After shelling, spread the beans out in a single layer in a dry, cool place to ensure they are fully dried before storage. Properly dried beans will store well for months or even years.
Tips for a Successful Pinto Bean Harvest
– Spacing matters: When planting, give your pinto beans enough space to allow airflow between plants. This helps the pods dry more evenly and reduces the risk of mold.
– Water wisely: Pinto beans prefer to dry out between watering. Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
– Watch for weather: If a late rain comes after your beans mature, pull the plants and dry them indoors to avoid spoilage.
– Avoid damage: When harvesting mechanically, keep equipment settings low to prevent splitting or damaging the beans, which can reduce quality.
Harvesting Pinto Beans on a Larger Scale
For commercial or large-scale growers, pinto beans are often harvested using combines equipped with special headers that pick up the cut plants or pods. Operators adjust the combine speed and settings carefully to minimize bean splitting and damage. Beans are collected into hoppers and then unloaded for further drying and processing.
Summary
Harvesting pinto beans is about patience and timing. Wait until the pods are dry but not brittle, harvest on a dry day, and dry the beans thoroughly before storing. Whether you pick pods by hand or pull the whole plant, these steps will help you enjoy a bountiful and high-quality pinto bean harvest.
Enjoy your fresh beans and happy harvesting!
Pinto beans are ready when their pods turn yellow-tan and dry but not brittle. Harvest on a dry day by either picking pods or pulling the whole plant to dry. Shell the beans once dry, then store them in a cool, dry place.