Asparagus (string) beans are an overseas guest, native to Central and South America. Although, at the present time, it has become a full-fledged inhabitant of our gardens and orchards. The taste of the fruit resembles the taste of young asparagus shoots, hence the origin of the name.
Benefit
The beneficial properties of asparagus beans have long been appreciated by vegetarians, people who are losing weight and leading a healthy lifestyle, also turned their attention to beans, as they are a source of vitamins, trace elements, fiber and easily digestible proteins. It is proteins that are responsible for building our body. Regular consumption of asparagus beans in food will strengthen the immune system, eyesight, heart and blood vessels. Fiber has a beneficial effect on the stomach and intestines, contributes to the timely evacuation of unprocessed food residues.
Description
Asparagus bean pods are used in cooking completely, together with the shutters, since they do not have hard fibers and parchment layer. Agrofirm "Gavrish" offers gardeners the author's variety Gerda. This variety is early maturing, only 50 days pass from germination to ripening of the first fruits. The pods grow up to 30 cm long, rounded, up to 3 cm in diameter. They differ from other varieties in the color of the fruit, they are pale yellow in color. It is convenient to collect them, as if the sun's rays are piercing the green leaves.
Gerd's asparagus bean is a climbing plant that grows up to 3 m in height, the lower beans grow at a height of 40-50 cm. The plant must have a vertical support. If you do not want to deal with the arrangement of the support, then plant the Gerda variety near the fence or near the gazebo. So, the plant will additionally perform a decorative function, forming a hedge, and protect it from prying eyes.
Growing
The Gerda variety can be grown by any gardener, even a beginner. The plant is unpretentious, but you should carefully consider the choice of a place for growing: a well-lit, windless area is the best place for the Gerda variety. Sandy loam or loamy soils are suitable. They warm up quickly, conduct water well, moisture does not stagnate in them. This is the kind of soil required by asparagus beans.
But loamy and sandy loam soils are characterized by a low content of organic and mineral substances. Therefore, in order to grow a good harvest, take care of fertilizing. Part of the fertilizer is applied in the fall when digging up the soil. Fresh manure and potassium-phosphorus fertilizers will help future plants in the growing season.
Gerda asparagus beans are planted in the ground in late May - early June. Make sure there is no more frost and that the soil is warm enough. Then you can start landing. Seeds are sown in prepared soil to a depth of 3-4 cm, following the planting scheme 10x50 cm.
Before you start planting, take care of the support for the future plant. A very successful pyramid-shaped support design. 4 poles are taken, 3.5-4 m long, they are installed at the corners of a square with a side of 50-100 cm. The tops are brought together and fastened. Seeds are planted on the sides of the square, over time, the whole pyramid will be hidden under the leaves and fruits. Watch the video how such supports look like:
Regular care of asparagus beans consists of watering, weeding, feeding. You can feed it with ash, slurry, herbal infusion.
Don't miss the harvest moment.Asparagus bean pods are harvested at the stage of milk ripeness. It is best to harvest the fruits daily, then the plant is activated and forms more and more fruits. The Gerda variety is suitable for fresh consumption, for canning and for freezing.
Conclusion
Gerda beans do not require much effort from you to grow them. You will get healthy fruits rich in protein, fiber and vitamins. From 1 sq. m you can get up to 4 kg of harvest.
