Lima beans– also called butter beans–are fast becoming a gardening favorite. This vegetable is native to Central America and South America and need fairly warm temperatures to grow. Plant lima beans after the last killing frost of spring. You can plant seeds indoors in starting trays or in a greenhouse three to four weeks before the last killing frost of spring. Lima beans grow best when the soil temperature reaches at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are several varieties of lima beans including bush and pole varieties. Use pole varieties for areas with limited space. Add a trellis or tall alongside the plants to provide support for vertical growth. Lima beans can have seeds that are white, green, red, brown and purple, depending on the variety.
Bush varieties of lima beans grow to about two feet tall. Pole varieties have large seeds and can grow up to 12 feet tall. Pole varieties usually have larger seeds and are usually grown for storage as dried beans.
Lima beans prefer full sun. Avoid planting where taller nearby plants like corn might overshadow your beans. Prepare the area by adding a three inch layer of compost or dried manure to the soil. Till the soil to a depth of about 12″. Lima beans can best be grown in rows 24″ wide and about 3′ apart.
Plant the seed one inch deep and about 4″ apart. When the plants are about six inches tall, thin to allow about six inches between each. Plant pole varieties 10″-12″ apart. Water the plants well, keeping the soil mist but not wet. Pul out any weeds that might take root and take nutrients from your crop.
You can also grow lima beans in containers. Use pots that are about 8″ in diameter and 8″ deep. Place the pots in a sunny windowsill and turn the pots regularly for even sunlight distribution.
Lima beans are ready to harvest in about seventy days, when the pods are full and the seeds are well developed. The seed pods can be allowed to mature and dry on the plant for storage as dried beans. Dried lima beans can be stored in an airtight container for up to a year. Fresh lima beans can be shelled and stored in the freezer.
Lima beans are an excellent source of iron, protein and Vitamins A,C and K. They are also high in potassium and calcium. Lima beans are low in calories and high in dietary fiber.
For many cooks in the Southern part of the US, lima beans are a staple–both fresh and dried. When fresh limas are not available, the dried kind work just as well. These beans are usually cooked by boiling. Lima beans are used in many dishes including soups and stews. A Souther favorite is Ham hocks with lima beans.
Lima beans are easy to grow and have a delicious flavor. Plant some in your garden or in pots and enjoy this delicious and nutritious food crop.
Sources:
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com
http://www.puritan.com
http://nutritiondata.self.com
http://www.harvestwizard.com
