[ormondsview]

I see that the beans are coming in to grocery sections and would like to grow my own in the garden. Package seeds are too expensive for only a few seeds. Has anyone tried drying their own seeds like fava beans or using the dried edible packets instead? I think the germination rate might be low for the latter but relatively improved from fresh then dried seed. Drying time might be accelerated by hanging up in the sun.

[My Potatoes]

Dunno about beans but marrowfat peas are commonly used.

[Blowin]

I caught this thread late but most gardeners will be able to give you a few seed, depending on the sort of beans you want to grow. An old chap once gave me a small handful of runner bean seed saying "There y'are. I've been growing them since 1937." which shows how long the save-your-own system can work.

The last pods to appear, peas included, are generally too poor to eat so they're dried in trays until brown and crisp. At this stage, take the contents out and spread them on a tray or put them in a paper (not polythene) bag in the hot press until thoroughly dry. Save in paper or cloth bags until needed for the next season.

Even if you have to buy a packet of seed once, there's no real need to ever buy another but most years I give away more than I ever plant myself.