Canning Green Beans

This post is all about canning green beans!

Green Beans are relatively easy to grow, and with a little effort, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest all year long by canning green beans.

In this blog post, we’ll take you through the process of growing green beans, picking them at the right time, and canning them to savor their fresh flavor year-round.

Growing Green Beans

Growing green beans starts with choosing the right variety and preparing your garden.

1. Variety Selection:
   • There are two main types of green beans: bush beans and pole beans. Bush beans are compact and ideal for small gardens, while pole beans need support but produce a larger yield. We grew pole beans and used metal posts, bamboo & twine to create a trellis for them to grow up.
   • Popular varieties include Blue Lake, Provider, and Contender. Choose the one that suits your taste and space.

1. Planting:
   • Green beans prefer well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
   • Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost in spring. Plant them about 1 inch deep and 2-4 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart for bush beans or near a trellis for pole beans.
2. Care:
   • Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
   • Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
   • Fertilize with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer as needed. (Optional)
3. Harvesting:
   • Green beans typically mature in 50-65 days. Harvest when the pods are about 4-6 inches long, firm, and snap easily when bent.
   • Be vigilant and pick regularly to encourage more production.

Picking Green Beans

Picking green beans at the right time is crucial for flavor and texture.

1. Timing:
   • The best time to pick green beans is in the morning when they’re cool and crisp.
   • Don’t wait too long; overripe beans become tough and stringy.
2. Method:
   • Gently hold the stem with one hand and the bean with the other.
   • Snap or cut the bean off the plant, being careful not to damage the plant or adjacent pods.

Canning Green Beans

Canning green beans is an excellent way to preserve their freshness and enjoy them throughout the year.

1. Equipment:
   • Gather canning supplies, including jars, lids, a pressure canner, jar lifter, and canning funnel.
2. Prepare Beans:
   • Wash and trim the beans, removing any blemishes.
   • Cut them into desired lengths, typically 1-2 inches.
3. Packing Jars:
   • Pack the prepared raw beans into sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace.
   • Add 1/2 tsp salt. (Optional)
   • Pour boiling water over beans to 1 inch headspace.
   • Use a plastic spatula to remove air bubbles.
   • Wipe rim dry and add lid flats and rings fingertip tight.
4. Pressure Can:
   • Fill your pressure canner with 3-4 inches of water depending on manufacturer guide over medium heat.
   • Carefully place jars into the pressure canner.
   • Place lid on the pressure canner and bring to pressure, which is usually 11 pounds.
   • Once pressure is reached, start timer for 25 minutes and adjust temperature as needed to remain at 11 pounds pressure.
5. Sealing Jars:
   • After processing, remove jars from the canner and allow them to cool. You’ll hear the lids pop as they seal.
   • Check that the lids are concave and don’t pop back when pressed.

Growing, picking, and canning green beans is a rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the fresh taste of summer all year long.

With the right variety selection, proper care, and canning techniques, your pantry will be stocked with delicious green beans for many meals to come.

Happy gardening and canning!