The End of the Dry Bean Growing Season: A Look Back at the Journey from Seed to Harvest

As the golden hues of late October settle across the fields, dry bean farmers across the U.S. wrap up another growing season. The journey from planting to harvest is a dedicated and delicate process that takes place over 12-14 weeks of intense care and nurturing, from the first spring planting to the final autumn harvest. Let's take a closer look at the season’s journey and what it means for dry bean crops.

Planting the Seeds: A May Tradition

In early May, farmers plant their dry beans, knowing the seeds will need consistent warmth and plenty of sunlight to reach their full potential. Each variety of dry bean—whether black, pinto, navy, or kidney—has its own unique needs, but all thrive best when planted at this time of year. As they push through the soil, these tiny seeds begin a 12-14 week journey toward maturity.

Growth and Maturity: A Season of Patience and Care

Throughout the early summer, dry beans grow steadily, using the warm days and sunlight to stretch and develop. By the time plants reach their full height, they begin to bloom. Small, delicate flowers emerge, each one uniquely colored depending on the bean variety. These flowers are more than just beautiful—they’re the initial step in forming the bean pods that will soon grow plump with beans.

Throughout the summer, farmers carefully monitor the crop, making sure it receives just the right balance of nutrients, water, and sun. As the summer days begin to wane, the plants begin the final stages of maturity. Warm days in late summer and early fall ripen the beans within the pods, setting the stage for a bountiful harvest.

Ready for Harvest: The Golden Signal

One to two weeks before harvest, farmers see the ultimate sign that their crop is ready: the vibrant green of the plants fades into a warm golden yellow. This change in color signals that the beans are ready to be harvested. Harvesting starts in August in some areas and continues until late October across the country.

Looking Ahead to Next Season

For farmers and bean lovers alike, the end of the growing season is a bittersweet time. It's a period of hard-earned satisfaction, knowing that these beans will soon be on tables across America, offering their nutritious, delicious benefits. It’s also a reminder of the cyclical beauty of agriculture and the importance of preparing the soil, planning, and looking ahead to the next season’s crop.

As we close out the season, we at Northern Feed & Bean want to thank everyone who supports and appreciates locally grown beans. Here's to the end of a successful harvest and the promise of next year's bounty.