Table of contents
Snake Beans
Snake beans growing has long been practiced in Asia. These beans probably originated in South China. They do enjoy warmer, humid climates and enjoy consistent rainfall. Consequently, this makes them perfect for the tropics!
There are a number of varieties of snake bean. Look for a variety that is more suitable to our warmer, wetter climates. Hence one of the best varieties for the tropics is Green Pod Kaohsiung.
Snake Beans Growing
Location and Soil
These beans are good climbers and can be positioned to either easily crawl over shrubs, up a trellis or even up a fence.
Find a sunny location to plant in. They love a sunny location and extra water, especially during the ‘dry season’.
Propagation
Growing from Seed
Time needed: 5 minutes.
How to grow snake beans.
- Choose a location.
Find a sunny location to plant in.
- Sow seeds
Sow your seeds about 1 cm deep in damp soil, about 30 cm apart.
- Germination
Seedlings should emerge between 10 and 21 days after planting.
- Sun and Water
Make sure you plant is in full sun and give it plenty of water.
- Harvest and Succession
If you want a a continuous harvest throughout summer, plant seeds every 4 to 6 weeks.
Snake Beans Growing Tip
You can grow snake beans all-year-round in the tropics. They are one of the best vegetables to grow during the hot and humid tropical ‘wet season’. They thrive at the time of year that some other veggies wilt under the pressure.
Fertilising
Your beans will benefit from extra organic matter. We add a rich compost before planting.
Watering
You must water during the dry season. They enjoy the wet season, provided the soil is well drained.
Pests and Diseases
Common pests and diseases include rusts, mildews, viruses, fungal diseases, aphids, bean flies, caterpillars and mites. However, regular application of ‘white oil’ can help address these pests. White oil is an effective organic pesticide that you can make at home.
Eating Snake Beans
The best part of snake beans growing, is eating the beans themselves. They are eaten fresh or cooked. They are used in salads, eaten with rice and added to stir-fries and curries.
Health Benefits
Weight Loss
A 100 gram serving contains just 47 calories. Hence this is truly one of the low-calorie vegetables. The fibre helps make you feel ‘full’ and is highly effective for weight loss.
Fibre
The soluble and insoluble fibre in these beans is good for your digestive system. Consequently, they are a good vegetable to add to your diet if you are suffering from constipation.
Immune System
Snake beans contain a high amount of vitamin-C, which is good for you. After all, studies show vitamin-C helps build immunity to infections, assists in maintaining blood vessel elasticity, and can help people to combat from some cancers.
Antioxidants
This vegetable contains important minerals, including iron, copper, manganese and calcium. The body uses manganese as a cofactor for the important antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
Prebiotics
Snake beans are a good prebiotic food. A prebiotic is fibre that passes through the GI tract undigested and stimulate the growth of good gut bacteria.
With all these benefits, you should start snake bean growing now!
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