Help..picking green beans

**pop goes the weasel** · 07-22-2009, 09:27 AM

I need to pick beans but it rained yesterday and it's suppose to rain today. I have heard you shouldn't pick them if they are even slightly damp because they will rust. But I know people that have and their beans are fine. So should I pick them? I don't want to ruin the plants but I don't want the beans to go to waste either. Also I can outside on a fire so if it does happen to rain can I pick the beans and put them in the fridge until the rain stops and then can them?

**fixer** · 07-22-2009, 09:34 AM

I have picked beans damp and wet for years. Here, the plants will be wet with dew until early afternoon sometimes. I have never seen any ill effects. I have also had to wait to can after picking. Although not ideal, I never saw a problem with it.

**Sassyclass** · 07-22-2009, 09:50 AM

I have no answer because I know nothing about picking greenbeans, but I'm just curious, if picking them when wet makes them rust then why don't they just rust while still on the vine? Does anyone know the answer to this?

Cat

**pop goes the weasel** · 07-22-2009, 10:02 AM

That's what I was wonering too unless it has something to do with the oil in your skin. And why don't they rust int he jars/ You have to wsh themud off them too. I'm just full of questions. I think I wil get my shrooms ready and can beans. We have dew evrry morning til it snows here. I guess I guess I should get a fire going too. Thanks for the help.

**Rangia** · 07-22-2009, 10:33 AM

Rust as far as I know is a fungicide. It has more to do with plant care than when to pick your beans. It can be on leaves and other parts of the plant. Therefore I would presuem you can pick them in pouring down rain if you like. More than likely your going to come inside and wash them anyways. It is best to keep them cool until you use them and try to use/store them in 4-5 days.

**pop goes the weasel** · 07-22-2009, 11:58 AM

Ok I'm back. Beans are in the jars and ready to go. It started raining. Now can I put them in the fridge since they are in jars and do them when it quits raining? I seem to remember my dd's grandma doing this the night before because she had to work the next day. she would do them when she got home. Stupid weather. When it's nice nothings ready. whe it ains everything is ready. I planted the beans so I had enough space to walk and pick. Well let me tell ya that isn't going to happen. I have 5- 20 foot rows that have merged and bonded. Lots of beans. So I saved out some beans and I dug 3 plants of tators to put with ham and mushrooms. Gonna have that and burgers for supper mmmmmmm Guess I'll sit and watch it rain. Oh I almost forgot. another question, I know I'm full of them today..what are the green balls on my potato plants? I have never seen anyting but blossoms hanging from the stalks. Thanks again.

**frugalfranny** · 07-22-2009, 06:07 PM

You have some interesting questions pop....will have to 'stay tuned' to see what the answers are......I can't help you.

How many jars of beans do you have so far?

**pop goes the weasel** · 07-22-2009, 06:17 PM

34 pints and counting. Those beans and tators made a great spper. the three of us ate all but about 1/2 a quart out of an 8 quart pan tht was 3/4 full. lol

**Sassyclass** · 07-23-2009, 09:14 AM

I bet picking them in the rain makes you appreciate what our farming family's go through. Can you imagine being out in the field when it's freezing or so hot it takes your breath away and then be on a machine pumping out waves of hot air, bugs sticking to you. Unless you are a lucky farmer with an air conditioned/heated cab.
Glad you got them done and enjoyed some already.

Cat